Mpande's - University of Zululand Institutional Repository

-227-
The Natal government therefore exploited Mpande's preference of
Mbuyazi as his successor to the throne instead of Cetshwayo.18 But
Cetshwayo was preferred by the majority of the Zulus, while being
negatively viewed by the Natal government, especially because of his
avowed antagonism towards Whites.'" On 15 NQvember 1856 a meeting
took place at Rathbone's house near the Msunduze river, where a
delegation from Mpande reported that Masiphula kaMamba was
Mbuyazi's adversary.3O Rathbone suggested that Mbuyazi's delegation
hold discussions with Captain Walmsley for possible military assistance.
These talks ended in John Dunn "Jantoni" leading a contingent of ]35
men in support of Mbuyazi." John Dunn was Captain Walmsley's
interpreter and constable. Assured of military aid Mbuyazi went back to
KwaZulu accompanied by John Dunn's men armed with Enfield rifles."
Maphalala argued:
30
" 3:
33
"It was hoped that the force from Natal
with the advantage of superior weapons
would boost the morale of the iziGqoza
faction which was numerically smaller
than Cetshwayo 's forces. "33
GH 1055: The Natal Mercury (cutting), 31 March 1880, p. 134; S. .A. 1/6/2, .A.:
Mpande to Scott, 20 July 1857.
C.O. 179/43: Shepstone to Scan, 4 p.m.. 2 December 1856, enc!. in Scan to
Labouchere, 0.9, 16 December 1856.
G.R 1055: The atal Mercury (cutting). 31 March 1880, p. 134.
Ibid., p. 134.
Ibid., p. 134. .
SJ. Mapbalala: The Participation ofWhite settlers in the battle 0 fNdondakusuka,
2 December 1856, and its consequenc_es up to 1861. p. 6.