Mpande's - University of Zululand Institutional Repository

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beginning of his heroic praises and reign. In fact, his colonially-based
support in the dynastic struggle symbolised a turning point in the domestic
affairs ofthe Zulu kingdom.
Having come into power ID 1840 and styled his military expeditions
along Shaka's regimental control system, Mpande could not easily be
subdued by colonial establishments in Natal. Instead of invading the
Zulu kingdom, they sought to extend their influence by gaining a hold on
its ruler. Mpande welcomed both the Voortrekkers and the English as
allies he needed to secure his position against any threat of war, but also
sought to exploit their conflicting objectives to preserve his own
independence.
While Mpande had controversial relations with the Voortrekkers, he was
devoid of the necessary machinery to resist their diplomatic manoeuvres.
The Zulu monarch acknowledged the military capabilities of the
Voortrekkers and, given the manner in which he came to power, the only
option was to be diplomatic and succumb to colonial terms in a subtle
way. Any meaningful resistance would be necessitated by complete
loyalty from the influential chiefs (amakhosi) throughout the Zulu
kingdom. The flock ofZulu refugees into Natal gave evidence to the fact
that Mpande did not have overall grip of power in the Zulu kingdom. An