Shaka War strategy

The famous "buffalo horns" formation

Most historians credit Shaka with initial development of the famous "buffalo horns" formation.[8] It was composed of three elements:

1. the "horns" or flanking right- and left-wing elements to encircle and pin the enemy. Generally the "horns" were made up of younger, less experienced but quicker-moving troops.
2. the "chest" or central main force which charged into the enemy centre and delivered the coup de grâce. The prime fighters made up the composition of the main force.
3. the "loins" or reserves used to exploit success or reinforce where needed. Often these were older veterans.

Coordination was supplied by regimental izinduna (chiefs or leaders) who used hand signals and messengers. The scheme was elegant in its simplicity, and well understood by the warriors assigned to each echelon.
By Jared