Mpande's - University of Zululand Institutional Repository

-93-
inheritance of those to whose care they are
entrusted when you shall be no more. "43
Thus, in August 1848 Langalibalele gathered his people and crossed the
Mzinyathi into Natal. A few weeks later they were followed by the
amaNgwe. The Hlubi and amaNgwe arrived in Natal at a time when the
colonial establishment was still fledgling and no drastic measures were
taken against either Mpande or Langalibalele. 44
Mpande intervened to settle the succession dispute in Maputoland to his
advantage. This was viewed as expression of Zulu determination to
maintain its hegemony over an area of great strategic and economic
importance. In 1854 inkosi Makhasana, died at the estimated age of 97
years." He had named as heir his second eldest son, Noziyingili, after his
first born, Hluma, had died. Makhasana's brother, Nonkatsha, had
acquired a considerable amount of autonomy and a powerful following in
Maputoland and usurped the throne. Noziyingili fled to KwaZulu and
requested Mpande's support in reclaiming his inheritance. 46
Mpande dispatched seven amabutho to Maputoland. The Zulus were
checked by Nonkatsha's forces in a clash at the Nondaka stream. Mpande
43
44
45
46
CSO, 44, No. 37, Statement ofHadebe to T. Shepstone, 21 March 1848.
Ladysmith Historical Society: The Hlubi Chiefdom in Zululand and Natal- a history,
p.37_
A.T. Bryant: Olden Times in Zululand and Natal, p_ 293_
Ibid., p_ 306_