Was Mpande a good king?

Mpande kaSenzangakhona, who ruled the Zulu Kingdom from 1840 to 1872, is often viewed through a complex lens. While some historians describe him as a passive ruler, lacking the assertiveness of his predecessors, others highlight his ability to maintain stability during a tumultuous period. His reign was marked by a preference for peace and diplomacy, which earned him a positive reputation among Christian missionaries who appreciated his support for education and the translation of the Bible into Zulu. However, his apparent lethargy and reliance on his son Cetshwayo for governance led to questions about his effectiveness as a king. Ultimately, whether Mpande was a good king depends on the perspective one takes on leadership and governance during his time.