Mpande's - University of Zululand Institutional Repository

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wives, including Ngqumbazi who was held in high esteem by the Zulu
people.· Mthonga, realising that his mother was perceived as Mpande's
favourite, thought that the realities about succession were likely to favour
him" Thus, Mpande had three sons who, because of his vacillation,
posed as possible claimants to the throne.
To the Voortrekkers ofthe Transvaal Republic (especially in the Utrecht
region) Mpande regarded Cetshwayo as his rightful successor. 1O At his
harem publicly announced that Mbuyazi was the heir because his mother
was presented to him by Shaka." On the other hand, according to oral
tradition, Mpande whispered the name of Mthonga, Nomantshali's son."
The fact that Mpande had not yet named his 'Great Wife' (equivalent to
Queen) complicated matters.
The progression ofthat state of incipient estrangement in the harem led to
the organisation of an antagonistic faction favouring Mbuyazi. It was
called iziGqoza 13 The word iziGqoza originated from Mbuyazi's
adherents' war cry:
• 10
11
"
13
"laba l Laba! Laba bayoze basibone!"
RRR Dhlomo: Umpande KaSenzaneakhona, p. 61.
F. .c. Okoye: 'The Zulu ow and Then". Journal ofAfrican history. VoL 32, p. 95.
!bill, p. 95.
RRR. Dhlomo: Ucetshwavo. pp. 7 - 8.
A.F. Hattersley: More Annals ofNatal p. 31: RRR. Dhlomo: Umpande
KaSenzangakhona, p. 61.
S.J. MaphalaJa: The Participation ofWhite Settlers in the battle ofNdondakusuka,
2 December 1856. and its consequences up to 1861, p. I.