CF Blakeway was appointed as acting Resident Magistrate at Mqanduli as from 27 August 1878 (Cape of Good Hope Blue Book, 1878 Divisions, B10). When Tembuland Proper was annexed to the Cape Colony on 26 August 1885 a magistrate’s court was established at Mqanduli (Government Gazette No 6642 dated 1 September 1885, Proclamation No 140 dated 26 August 1885).

The magistrate of Mqanduli was also appointed Native Commissioner as from 1 October 1928 (Government Gazette No 1734 dated 26 October 1928, Government Notice No 1865 dated 26 October 1928).