Mpande's - University of Zululand Institutional Repository

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Assured of Mpande's co-operation, West attempted to conVInce the
Colonial Office in London that the Voortrekkers had provoked the crisis.
He again appealed for reinforcements to defend Natal against possible
future invasion. 54 Unfortunately, the new Cape Governor and High
Commissioner, Sir Harry Smith, was less willing to co-operate. He
viewed the affairs of Natal in the light of their potential to disrupt the
Cape Colony. He rather thought conciliation of the Voortrekkers and
Mpande would be the best policy'S
Smith accomplished conciliation between Mpande and the Voortrekkers
by travelling overland to assume personal command. He proclaimed the
repeal of the Voortrekkers' loyalty oath and made provisions for the
Voortrekkers to receive full legal title to their Natal farms. 56 Regarding
Zulu invasion, Smith refuted it as unfounded rumour. He sent a
delegation to express his apologies to Mpande and thanked the Zulu king
for the amicable and friendly relationship he maintained with Nata\.';
Smith's overtures towards Mpande did not bring the perceived Zulu
menace to an end. The Lieutenant-Governor, Martin West, limited the
54
" 56
S;
G.H.: West to Smith, 0.1, 17 January 1848, encl. in Smith to Grey, D. 147,23 August
1848, printed for Parliament, 3 May 1849 (1059). pp. 31 - 2.
Natal Witness, 21 January 1848, pp. 2 - 3.
G.H.: Smith to Grey, 0.17, and Smith to Mpande. both 10 February 1848, printed for
Parliament, July 1848 (980), pp 211-3, 216.
SAAR: N, Notices of 18 February 1848, ll, pp. 214-5; Smith to West, 0.2, 27 March
1848, II, pp. 287-90: Reply ofMpande, 8 March 1848, encl. in Smith to Grey, D. 56,30
March 1848, p.223.