Mkabayi kaJama

Mkabayi kaJama
Bornc. 1750
EMakhosini Valley, Babanango near Mahlabathini
Died1843
KwaZulu Natal
Burial
KwaDukuza
SpouseNever married
FatherJama kaNdaba
ReligionZulu traditional religion

Princess Mkabayi kaJama (c. 1750–1843) was a Zulu princess, the head of the Qulusi military kraal, and a regent of the Zulu Kingdom. She persuaded her father, the Zulu King Jama kaNdaba, to remarry, and acted as a regent during the reign of her half-brother, Senzangakhona.

She was a kingmaker for three succeeding reigns, leading coups and arranging assassinations. She is credited for bringing stability in the Zulu nation and ensuring the continuation of the Zulu line and monarchy.