Who were the indigenous people of modern South Africa unified by King Shaka from 1818?

The correct answer is Zulu. King Shaka, who ruled in the early 19th century, played a crucial role in the formation and unification of the Zulu nation. He is known for his military innovations and strategies that allowed the Zulu to become a dominant force in southeastern Africa. Under his leadership, various clans were unified into a single nation, which significantly expanded the territory of the Zulu Kingdom.

In contrast to the Zulu, the Xhosa and Basotho were distinct groups with their own histories and social structures. The Xhosa were largely located in the eastern Cape and have their own cultural identity and language. The Basotho, on the other hand, are primarily known for their presence in what is now Lesotho and have a different historical narrative separate from that of the Zulu. The Kikuyu, while an important ethnic group in Kenya, have no direct connection to the indigenous peoples of South Africa or to King Shaka's unification efforts. Thus, the Zulu represent the correct choice due to their historical and cultural significance tied directly to Shaka's unification efforts.