LEADERSHIP BY TERROR 179The Zulu hunger for leadership facilitated his rise to the top; the popula-
tion was predisposed and willing to transfer to him all the power he
needed.
When Shaka consolidated his empire, he transformed a loosely
constructed federal structure into a totalitarian, highly centralized state,
keeping all the levers of power within his grasp. No appointment could
be made without his approval and no decision without his consent. Every
offi cial in his empire reported to him. Every transgression in his domain,
however slight, was brought to his attention and dealt with promptly. It
was as if Shaka feared that condoning little offenses would open the
fl oodgates to loss of control.
Shaka made himself the senior executive, sole source of the law,
ultimate court of appeal, commander - in - chief, and high priest. Thus the
executive, judiciary, and religious functions were all concentrated in his
hands. By opting for total centralization, the traditions of the royal Zulu
house became the traditions of the nation, the Zulu dialect became the
language, and every inhabitant of Shaka ’ s realm was dependent on his
whims.
The colluding mind
Shaka orchestrated his symphony of terror brilliantly, knowing just
which notes to play to create and sustain fear. Building on existing cul-
tural themes, he forged a military state that exerted total physical and
ideological control; and in the process he re - educated the psyche of the
population.
The Tools of Thought - Control
Shaka was in an excellent position to use many tools of thought - control
(Lifton, 1961 ) against his people. Because he was the chief diviner of the
nation, they believed he could communicate directly with the ancestral
spirits, secure the fertility of their land, protect their cattle from disease,
and bring the much - needed rains.
Speaking to Shaka through his dreams, the ancestral spirits provided
him with a rationale for his actions and absolved him from responsibility
for his horrendous acts of violence. Having wrested the monopoly of
magic from the diviners, he had the fi nal word. Whether Shaka really
believed that he had special powers in dealing with the spiritual world
is questionable, but his well - documented superstition and the conviction