The British Under Dingane (c.1828-1840)

The history surrounding the Mfecane is of high debate, but we have a clear understanding of events that occurred because of the first-hand accounts of Fynn, Gardiner, and Owen. During the period of 1828 to 1840, the Zulu state was under the rule of King Dingane. During this period, there was a significant tie in relations between the British and the Zulu under his rule. The relations between Reverend Owen and other missionaries in Zulu were unthreatened by Dingane, in contrast to his brutality and unforgiveness to others under his rule. This connection creates trust in the accounts written by Owen that can be widely perceived by others. Departing from Shaka’s rule, Dingane continued a high level of violence towards his constituents that was paved from Shaka. The theme of violence from the Zulu state is what set up the events of the Mfecane. 

Fynn’s diary accounts for Dingane by saying, 

He composed or caused to be composed national songs, containing denunciations against the former state of things; his general conversation was, moreover, directed against the severe character of Shaka's government. He adopted mild measures and thought that he was establishing himself firmly when obstacles occurred, which showed him the true state of things, and the motives that had driven his predecessor to such extreme lengths of severity and cruelty. I shall not be in the least surprised to see repeated by Dingane the very acts for which he and his confederates assassinated Shaka. 

He continues to say that Dingane’s actions of violence outweighed his words. The depiction from our trusted Fynn shows explicitly the violent atmosphere encouraged in the state of Zulu, and it comes as no surprise that the brutality of the Mfecane followed. Dingane’s rule does highlight the change of relations with us; however, his brutality to others is a clear constant. 

Owen’s journals provide a unique insight into life under the rule of Dingane because of his preference for the missionaries, distinctly noting that they would not be killed during or after the events of ‘Dingane’s Day’. In fact, Dingane trusted Owen so much so as to have him complete tasks for him and obtain material, such as gunpowder. Owen, however, being a British intellectual, knew to proceed with caution in his interactions with Dingane. It was the result of restricted trade interactions, on the part of Dingane that created this distrust with us. We sought fair and unrestricted trade, but Dingage– unprovoked— restricted our access, despite our best attempts to create peace and use Christianity to teach these methods of peace. This restriction highlights further regional tensions with Zulu and their neighboring areas that create a climate for the start of the Mfecane. 

The Mfecane is the result of a long history of violence between African states and how the British reject the notion that we influenced or encouraged their actions. The inherent brutality is the only cause for explanation for the series of wars. It isn’t directly noted by the authors that environmental factors directly caused the outbreak of wars; however, on multiple accounts, Owens notes the strict approaches to land and cattle, which further amplifies tensions across regions. The manner of unfair and restrictive trade is, however, accounted for by Owens in Document 33, which further solidifies that the root of conflict stems from such tensions. It is the culmination of this strain with the nationalistic assertions that caused an unpreventable outbreak of war, notwithstanding British best attempts for peace and mitigation of conflict.