Swaziland, one of the last absolute monarchies in the world
Nov 22, 2007
THE Bantu migrated southwest to the area of Mozambique in the 16th century. A number of clans broke away from the main body in the 18th century and settled in Swaziland. In the 19th century these clans organised as a tribe, partly due to constant conflict with the Zulu.
THE Bantu migrated southwest to the area of Mozambique in the 16th century. A number of clans broke away from the main body in the 18th century and settled in Swaziland. In the 19th century these clans organised as a tribe, partly due to constant conflict with the Zulu.
The Nguni Swazi Kingdom rose to prominence early in the 19th century, under the leadership of King Sobhuza I, who enlarged the territory by conquering and absorbing numbers of non-Nguni people. King Mswati II then moulded the young kingdom into a powerful military force.
Through internal stability, military might and diplomacy, Swaziland remained an independent country until the 1890s, the king taking advantage of the rivalry between the British administration in Natal and the Boer republic of the Transvaal to avoid takeover by either.
South Africa held Swaziland as a protectorate from 1894 to 1899, but after the Boer War, in 1902, Swaziland was transferred to British administration. The paramount chief was recognised as the native authority in 1941. In 1963, the territory was constituted a protectorate, and on September 6, 1968, it became the independent nation of Swaziland.
King Sobhuza II reigned from 1921 to 1982 and is thought to have been the second-longest reigning monarch in world history – although he was only officially recognised as king in 1967 under the Swaziland Constitution Order of the British Government. Sobhuza II was a staunch conservative, determined to restore traditional customs and land rights, much of the land having been sold by the colonial authorities to European or African farmers. By the time of his death in 1982, almost 40% of the land was back in the traditional communal system of land tenure.
In 1973, King Sobhuza II repealed the independence constitution, abolishing parliament and all political parties. The tinkhundla system of government was introduced in 1978 and overhauled in 1993. Since 1986, King Mswati III has ruled as sub-Saharan Africa's last absolute monarch. Political parties are banned and the king appoints 10 of the 65 MPs as well as the prime minister. King Mswati can veto any law and frequently rules by decree.
Key facts:
Capital city: Mbabane
King: Mswati III
Joined Commonwealth: 1968
Population: 1,133,066
Official language: Siswati, English
Currency: Lilangeni (E)
Area: 17,364 sq km
Did you know?
The kingdom is one of the world’s remaining absolute monarchies.
Many Swazis live in chronic poverty and food shortages are widespread.
Compiled by Elizabeth Agiro
The Nguni Swazi Kingdom rose to prominence early in the 19th century, under the leadership of King Sobhuza I, who enlarged the territory by conquering and absorbing numbers of non-Nguni people. King Mswati II then moulded the young kingdom into a powerful military force.
Through internal stability, military might and diplomacy, Swaziland remained an independent country until the 1890s, the king taking advantage of the rivalry between the British administration in Natal and the Boer republic of the Transvaal to avoid takeover by either.
South Africa held Swaziland as a protectorate from 1894 to 1899, but after the Boer War, in 1902, Swaziland was transferred to British administration. The paramount chief was recognised as the native authority in 1941. In 1963, the territory was constituted a protectorate, and on September 6, 1968, it became the independent nation of Swaziland.
King Sobhuza II reigned from 1921 to 1982 and is thought to have been the second-longest reigning monarch in world history – although he was only officially recognised as king in 1967 under the Swaziland Constitution Order of the British Government. Sobhuza II was a staunch conservative, determined to restore traditional customs and land rights, much of the land having been sold by the colonial authorities to European or African farmers. By the time of his death in 1982, almost 40% of the land was back in the traditional communal system of land tenure.
In 1973, King Sobhuza II repealed the independence constitution, abolishing parliament and all political parties. The tinkhundla system of government was introduced in 1978 and overhauled in 1993. Since 1986, King Mswati III has ruled as sub-Saharan Africa's last absolute monarch. Political parties are banned and the king appoints 10 of the 65 MPs as well as the prime minister. King Mswati can veto any law and frequently rules by decree.
Key facts:
Capital city: Mbabane
King: Mswati III
Joined Commonwealth: 1968
Population: 1,133,066
Official language: Siswati, English
Currency: Lilangeni (E)
Area: 17,364 sq km
Did you know?
The kingdom is one of the world’s remaining absolute monarchies.
Many Swazis live in chronic poverty and food shortages are widespread.
Compiled by Elizabeth Agiro