“I greet you all Zulus: the elephants. I thank you for your endurance, your faith and your steadfastness, for keeping the fort and our community safe while the men and I were away. Your compassion and allegiance is needed to keep our community strong. That is why I am grateful.
“My men and I were tested; we have not fought anyone like the Sun-dwellers before. They have an impressive artillery and armoury. And they are crafty. That is why I warn you now that we need to be brave, with strong, steadfast hearts, if we face them again.”
The King continues, “We fought hard and lost many good men, but because of the fearless General Mmeli,” the Nkosi says and looks to his right, “and the strategy of General Manqoba,” he says as he looks to his left, “we came out triumphant.
“Now let us remember the good men we lost, and care for their widows and children. Let us not be sad. We came out victorious and let us cherish that. Now let us rejoice and celebrate!”
The crowd erupts again. The Nkosi’s praise-singer recites the Nkosi’s clan-names, while Magigithela dances and jumps everywhere.
The chief returns to the throne, he takes aside Mmeli and Manqoba and congratulates them. “You did well.” The generals are pleased.
Mmeli and Manqoba share the same accomplishments and maintain good command of the army, but they are very different men.
Manqoba is the attractive one. He is physically fit, a mastermind at strategy, an adaptable and charismatic individual. Manqoba is good with words and commands his men well. And his handsomeness makes the women long for him. Many maidens sing his name when fetching water from the river.
Mmeli is as impressive – but not in the same way as Manqoba. He is average looking, physically fit, a master-fighter and good with words. What Mmeli lacks compared to Manqoba he makes up for with his strength and his noble and trustworthy heart. While every maiden chases Manqoba everywhere, Mmeli has a beautiful wife and a daughter at home.
After congratulating his generals again Nkosi Madoda calls the village for the banquet to celebrate the victory.
***
Tell us: Which general, Manqoba or Mmeli, appeals to you most?