Fearing the growing might of Zululand and in particular the Zulu army, the British authorities in Natal set about a plan to disarm the Zulu forces.

On 11 December 1878, a meeting took place on the southern bank of the Thukela River under a large Umkiwane (Wild Fig) tree. Representatives of King Cetshwayo and a delegation from the British Government met to discuss issues related to the King’s alleged non-compliance with an earlier agreement.

Inkosi Uvumandada along with fifty, or so, delegates listened to the Zulu translation of a document read by Hon. J. W. Shepstone. The King’s delegation was satisfied with the terms of the document. However, the British presented a second document, in effect an ultimatum, demanding the disbanding of the Zulu army within 30 days.

This was an impossible demand as the army and it's age-regiment system was integral to the functioning of Zulu society. A clash was inevitable – so began the Zulu War of 1879.