Mpande's - University of Zululand Institutional Repository

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conformity with traditional usage." In the 1840's Rev. Schreuder
discovered that the most compact resistance to his requests came, not
from Mpande personally, but from his council ofchiefs." Rev. Schreuder
gave a report to the home constituency in early 1846 stating that:
/I.• they (the Chiefs) and other great men
ofthe country originally were the ones to
make the most resolute stand against the
proclamation of the Gospel in their
country. ''36
Although the Norwegian IlllSSIOnanes pervadingly enjoyed a good
measure of freedom to preach in Mpande's palaces, they were, when it
came to the effects of their preaching, by no means granted free scope.
From time to time, and with a few of the royal family, however, a more
active interest in the message of the missionaries arose." In the case of
Mpande himself, his most positive period appeared to have been the tense
years from the 1856 battle of Ndondakusuka until prince Cetshwayo, by
the mid 1860's seemed to have secured his position as heir apparent. 38
This positiveness was expressed in willingness to comply with many of
the missionary requests, but there are few indications auguring that he
" 36
37
38
K.c. Stuart Papers. File 89. Notebook 34. Evidence ofNkukwana, 1October 1900. pp. 2 - 6.
ABC 15:4:7: Schn:uder to Oftebro, 27 ovember 1853.
Rev. R Schreuder: NogIe Ord tiI Norges Kirke om christelig Pligt med Hensvn tiI Omsong for
ikkechrisme Medbrodres Salighed, p. 249.
K.c.. Stuart Papers, File 9. Notebook 3, Evidence of Xubu. 29 November 1909.
C.O. 179/43. P.RO.: Schreuderto Walmsley. 21 November 1856, encl. in Scan to Labouchere.
D.9. 16 December 1856.