Battle of Isandhlawana. South Africa was colonized by the Dutch and the British much earlier than other parts of Africa were colonized. From the beginning of Dutch colonialism in the 17th century, African peoples resisted European penetration and control. However, there were parts of South Africa that resisted European control until the end of the 19th century. In spite of colonial efforts, Zululand remained free of colonial control until 1880. In 1879 in a strong show of resistance, a Zulu army under the leadership of King Cetshwayo at Isandhlawana defeated a force of 8,000 European soldiers, killing 1,600. This was the single greatest defeat suffered by the British in their colonial endeavors in Africa and Asia!