Mpande's - University of Zululand Institutional Repository

-97-
1850's Phakade, together with other Natal chiefs, expressed willingness to
provide levies against Mpande.
It could be argued that the colonial establishment in Natal was devoid of
resources to completely subdue the powerful state which Mpande had
inherited from his predecessors, but sought to extend its influence over the
Zulu kingdom by gaining a hold on its ruler. Mpande welcomed them as
allies. He needed to secure his position against any threat of war, but also
sought to exploit their conflicting objectives to preserve his own
independence. This makes it imperative to analyse relations with the
Voortrekkers ofthe Republic ofNatalia.