Mpande's - University of Zululand Institutional Repository

incriminated the British authorities of indifference to Mpande's alleged
persecution of Zulus in KwaZulu. Mpande was also infuriated by the
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prolonged protection the British gave to Zulu refugees.
Thus, Mpande gave permission to some Voortrekkers to occupy land
strategically situated at Klip River and Utrecht to resist possible British
military offensives. Simultaneously he pledged allegiance to the British
colonial establishment in Natal by denying co-operation with the local
Voortrekkers. This brought about conflict between the British and the
Voortrekkers. William Harding, the British Surveyor-General, concluded
that Mpande had practiced the grossest deceit towards the British
government and that his proceedings with reference to the Voortrekkers
amounted to the crime ofdeliberate fraud.
But, Mpande extended a hand of friendship to the British colonial
establishment in Natal. He diplomatically refused to give the British
military assistance during the conflict with the Voortrekkers in 1842.
Mpande said: "No, you are now fighting for the upperhand, and
whichever gains must be my master"). The Zulu king did not assist either
party, but as soon as the British troops proved themselves to be in power
he sent emissaries to Colonel Cloete to say that he was about to march
against the Voortrekkers.