This document summarizes the five periods of Zulu literature:
1. The pre-colonial period before 1835 focused on oral traditions like folktales, poems, and songs.
2. The mission period from 1835-1910 saw the introduction of writing through mission schools and presses. Important early writers included Allen Gardener and John Colenso.
3. The nationalist period from 1910-1948 produced writers like Isaiah Shembe and John Langalibalele Dube who wrote about Zulu culture and politics. Important novels from this time included Insila KaShaka and UGubudele Namazimuzimu.
4. The modernization period from 1948-1994 saw
10. Okubalulekile wukuthi lesi sikhathi saveza
ababhali ababalulekile emibhalweni yesiZulu,
futhi abathanda imibhalo yesiZulu bayibeka
ezingeni eliphakeme:
i. DBZ Ntuli
ii. WMB Mkhize
iii. KS Bhengu
iv. Christian Themba Msimang
v. Joyce Gwayi
vi. Mandla OEH Nxuamlo