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1880 to 1890 The 1880's and 90's were a period of intense change, the factors that were to determine Swaziland's existance and direction for the next century all fell into place. Significant gold deposits were discovered at Forbes Reef and Piggs Peak - these excited the interest of miners and prospectors who were in the Eastern Transvaal and the indolence of the ruler Mbandzeni led to a state of confusion as to who owned what with some leases being verbal, some written and many conflicting. Mbandzeni tried to organise these affairs by appointing an adviser for white affairs from a good background. He made an unfortunate choice in Offy Shepstone who gained a proportion (probably half) of Mbandzeni's revenue and therefore had a direct interest in selling as many leases as possible. In winter 1887 there were 23 land and grazing concessions that had been granted and were confirmed in writing, and 41 new ones were granted. Mbandzeni protested clearly that these were only leases, not sales. Despite this a brisk trade in concessions soon started. Concessions were issued to all irrespective of race or colour. Shepstone started a system of registration, but then ignored it when he gained concessions for himself. This greed was not one-sided, Mbandzeni's advisors were well paid for setting up meetings with him and acted as paid witnesses. Access to the King was for sale. Concessions were wide ranging and covered almost anything that could be imagined. During the end of this period Mbandzeni was increasingly ill and the period came to a close, when one of Shepstone's friends, Thorburn, gained a concession for any land or mineral concession that had not been allotted. Harrington obtained a concession by which the revenues of the country were controlled by the South African Republic (Boers) in return for a monthly payment of £1000. Mbandzeni died in 1889 and his son, Bhunu was selected as Ngwenyama.
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