Dingiswayo (Zulu pronunciation: [diŋɡisʷaːjo]) (c.1780 – 1817) (born Godongwana) was a Mthethwa chief, well known for his mentorship over a young Zulu general, Shaka Zulu, who rose to become the greatest of the Zulu kings. His father was the Mthethwa chief Jobe, and Jobe was the son of Kayi, who may be seen as the founder of the Mthethwa kingdom. It was under Dingiswayo that the Mthethwa rose to prominence, mostly employing diplomacy and assimilation of nearby chiefdoms to strengthen his power base.
We first hear of Godongwana during the wanderings of Nandi and her illegitimate son Shaka, who settled with the Mthethwa under chief Jobe. Godongwana and his brother, Tana, plotted against their father Jobe, but their plot was discovered. Tana was killed and Godongwana made his escape. Nursed back to health by a sister, the young man found refuge in the foothills of the Drakensberg among the Qwabe and Langeni people. He changed his name to Dingiswayo, which means "he who is troubled", or "The Wanderer". Upon the death of his father, he returned to claim the chieftainship.
Hard times are callin' for hard hearts
Thru me in with prestige, turn me out an upstart
While backbiters encamped around me
What thought spilt out in their mind that turn us into enemies
All I got left to hold onto is you in my heart
All I got left to hold onto is you in my heart
The more I'm left with nothing but you
The more I see I gotta hold onto
All I got left to hold onto is you
They conspire all day they watch my steps
But I will not strike my foot upon a stone
I've been lifted high upon a rock