Mfecane (Zulu name, also known as the Difaqane or Lifaqane in Sesotho), is an African expression which means something like "the crushing" or "scattering".

It describes a period of widespread chaos and disturbance in southern Africa during the period between 1815 and about 1840.The Mfecane begins between the Tugela River and Pongola River, where Shaka has created a militaristic Zulu kingdom.

The Mfecane spreads from there, leading to the formation and consolidation of other groups—such as the Matabele, the Mfengu and the Makololo—and the creation of states such as the modern Lesotho.