Mswati III (born Makhosetive on April 19, 1968) of Swaziland is the king of Swaziland, and head of the Swazi Royal Family. He succeeded his late father, Sobhuza II, in 1986. This page contains a list of Paramount Chiefs and Kings (Ngwenyamas) of Swaziland. ... is the 115th day of the year (116th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1986 (MCMLXXXVI) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link displays 1986 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 115th day of the year (116th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1986 (MCMLXXXVI) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link displays 1986 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 109th day of the year (110th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1968 (MCMLXVIII) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Categories: Stub | Swazi monarchs | 1899 births | 1982 deaths ... Ntombi, Indovukazi of Swaziland (born ca. ... Categories: Stub | Swazi monarchs | 1899 births | 1982 deaths ... Ntombi, Indovukazi of Swaziland (born ca. ... is the 109th day of the year (110th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1968 (MCMLXVIII) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see Monarch (disambiguation). ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Sobhuza II of Swaziland Sobhuza II (July 22, 1899 – August 21, 1982) was a King of Swaziland. ...

Early life

Royal Family of Swaziland

HM the King Indovukazi Prince Dennis Njeru Mucheke Prince Majaha Princess Sikhanyiso Dlamini Prince Lindaninkosi Dlamini Princess Temaswati Dlamini Princess Tiyandza Dlamini Princess Tebukhosi Dlamini Prince Bandzile Princess Sibahle Princess Temtsimba Dlamini Princess Sakhizwe Dlamini Prince Mcwasho Prince Saziwangaye Princess Makhosothando

He was the second of 67 sons of the elderly King Sobhuza II, (who had 70 wives and at the time of his death left over 1000 grandchildren), and the only child of Ntombi Tfwala, also known as Inkosikati LaTfwala, one of the King's younger wives. He was born at the Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital, only four months before Swaziland attained independence from Britain, and after he and his mother were discharged from the hospital they went to live at one of King Sobhuza's residences of Etjeni near Masundwini Palace. His birth name was Makhosetive (King of Nations). Dlamini Dynasty (present day Swazi Royal Family) is the current ruling indigenous African Royal Dynasty of Swaziland of which the Honorable Majesty Mswati III is the king. ... Image File history File links Coat_of_arms_of_Swaziland. ... Ntombi, Indovukazi of Swaziland (born ca. ... Categories: Stub | Swazi monarchs | 1899 births | 1982 deaths ... Ntombi, Indovukazi of Swaziland (born ca. ...

As a young prince, Makhosetive attended Masundwini Primary School and Lozitha Palace School. He sat for the Swaziland Primary Certificate examination in December 1982 at Phondo Royal Residence and got a First Class with merit in Mathematics and English. He developed a great interest in the royal guard, becoming the first young cadet to join the Umbutfo Swaziland Defence Force (USDF).

Regency

When his father died of pneumonia in 1982, the royal council Liqoqo headed by Prince Mfanasibili chose the 14-year-old prince Makhosetive to be the next king. For the next four years two wives of the late king Sobhuza II served as regent, Queen Dzeliwe Shongwe (1982–1983) and Queen Ntombi Tfwala (1983–1986) while he continued with his education in England, attending Sherborne School. He later went to school in South Africa before he was ordered back to take over. This article is about human pneumonia. ... Prince Mfanasibili of Swaziland is the son of Prince Makhosikhosi who was brother to King Sobhuza II. He was once a cabinet minister during the reign of King Sobhuza II and is famous for the Liqoqo era during 1983-1986 hence he was nick-named “Liqoqo strongman”. He and the... Regent, from the Latin, a person selected to administer a state because the ruler is a minor or is not present or debilitated. ... Inkhosikati LaShongwe Dzeliwe Shongwe, born 1927, was Queen Regent of Swaziland between 21 September 1982 and 9 August 1983. ... Ntombi, Indovukazi of Swaziland (born ca. ... Sherborne School is an English public school for boys in the town of Sherborne in north-west Dorset, England. ...

King

He was introduced as crown prince in September 1983 and was crowned king on April 25, 1986, aged 18 years and 6 days, and thus making him the youngest reigning monarch^{[citation needed]}. The king and his mother, whose title is Indovukazi (Great She-Elephant), rule jointly. is the 115th day of the year (116th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1986 (MCMLXXXVI) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link displays 1986 Gregorian calendar). ...

Today he is Africa's last unconstitutional monarch. He inherited a rule by decree, but did restore the nation's Parliament, which had been dissolved by his father due to the chaos of the multiparty which was perceived as breaking the country apart at the time considering that the country had just got its independence. The country already has its own type of democracy called the Tinkhundla system and has a constitution which allows freedom of assembly and free speech for both the media and the public.He is also a strong supporter for the independence of Taiwan and together with Swaziland’s foreign minister Dr Moses Mathendele Dlamini has spoken strongly against People’s Republic of China grip over Taiwan. Rule by decree is a style of governance allowing quick, unchallenged creation of law by a single person or group, and is used primarily by dictators and absolute monarchs. ... In Swaziland, a tinkhundla is an administrative subdivision smaller than a district, but larger than an umphakatsi. ... Dr. Moses Mathendele Dlamini was born on December 2 1947, the year King George the sixth of England came for a good will tour in Swaziland. ...

The Swaziland media in conferences with other regional media houses (MISA) says it is free to report as it pleases. In 2001, all unmarried women were placed under the chastity rite of "umcwasho" between 9 September 2001 and 19 August 2005 in an attempt to curb the spread of HIV and AIDS. This rite (re-introduced after suggestion from NGO's), banned sexual relations for Swazis under 18 years of age, but in 2005, he violated this decree when he married a 17 year old girl, who became his 13th wife. As per custom, he was fined a cow by members of her regiment which he duly paid. Sexual abstinence is the practice of voluntarily refraining from some or all aspects of sexual activity. ... Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Umchwasho is a traditional chastity rite in Swaziland. ... is the 252nd day of the year (253rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2001 (MMI) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 2001 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 231st day of the year (232nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Species Human immunodeficiency virus 1 Human immunodeficiency virus 2 Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS, a condition in humans in which the immune system begins to fail, leading to life-threatening opportunistic infections). ... For other uses, see AIDS (disambiguation). ...

Succession

In Swaziland no king can appoint his successor. Only an independent special traditional Council called the Liqoqo decides which of the wives shall be "Great wife" and "Indlovukazi" (She-Elephant / Queen Mother). The son of this "Great Wife" will automatically become the next king.

The "Great Wife" must only have one son and be of good character. Her character affects her child's chances of ascending to the kingship. According to Swazi culture a son can not be the heir if his mother is not of good standing. She must not bear the maiden name of Nkhosi-Dlamini and she must not be a ritual wife (i.e. the eldest son is never the heir).

The King currently has twelve wives and two official fiancées — those who have not yet borne him a child. A Swazi king's first two wives are chosen for him by the national councillors. These two have special functions in rituals and their sons can never claim kingship. The first wife must be a member of the Matsebula clan, the second of the Motsa clan. According to tradition, he can only marry his fiancées after they have fallen pregnant, proving they can bear heirs. Until then, they are liphovela.

Wives

The king has 13 wives and 27 children.

• Inkhosikati LaMatsebula—Ritual wife. Has a degree in education.
  • Son:His Royal Highness: Prince Dennis Njeru Mucheke ( AKA Charles) born June 1st 1984, deemed to be rebelious against tradition according to the rest of the Royal family. He is currently persuing aviation studies in Florida, U.S.A. and is considered to be a strong candidate for succession.'
  • Son: His Royal Highness: Prince Sicalo
  • Son: Prince Mavela
• Inkhosikati LaMotsa—Ritual wife. UNDP Goodwill Ambassador since 1996. ^[1]
  • Son: Prince Majaha
• 1986 Inkhosikati LaMbikiza—(born 16 June 1969 as Sibonelo Mngomezulu) Daughter of Percy Mngomezulu; an advocate, received her degree from UNISA. LaMbikiza is involved in the Swazi Royal Initiative to Combat AIDS (RICA). The initiative involves the recording of songs by Swazi, South African and international artists and the proceeds of the sales are allocated to programmes aimed at helping people affected by AIDS.
  • Daughter: Princess Sikhanyiso Dlamini (1987)
  • Son: Prince Lindaninkosi Dlamini (Lindani) (1989)
• Inkhosikati LaNgangaza —(born Carol Dlamini)
  • Daughter: Princess Temaswati Dlamini (1988)
  • Daughter: Princess Tiyandza Dlamini
  • Daughter: Princess Tebukhosi Dlamini
• Putsoana Hwala—(born 1974 ??) Known as Inkhosikati LaHwala She left the king on June 24, 2004 and moved to South Africa.^[2]
  • Son: Prince Bandzile
  • Daughter: Princess Sibahle
• Delisa Magwaza—(born 1974 ??) Known as Inkhosikati LaMagwaza. She also left the king in 2004, after having an affair.^[2]
  • Daughter: Princess Temtsimba Dlamini
  • Daughter: Princess Sakhizwe Dlamini
• August 2000 Inkhosikati LaMasango—(born 1981 ?? as Senteni Masango)
• May 2002 Inkhosikati LaGija—(born Angel Dlamini)
• June 2002 Inkhosikati LaMagongo—(born Nontsetselo Magongo) Niece of Chief Mlobokazana Fakudze, Chief at Mgazini.
  • Son: Prince Mcwasho (2002)
• November 2002 Inkhosikati LaMahlangu—(born 1984 as Zena Soraya Mahlangu) 18-year-old High School student Zena Mahlangu disappeared from her school on 9 October 2002. Her mother, Lindiwe Dlamini, learnt that her daughter had been taken by two men, Qethuka Sgombeni Dlamini and Tulujani Sikhondze, and reported the matter to the police. She was told that her daughter was at the Royal Palace at Ludzidzini and was being prepared to be the next wife of the king(not for sexual duties).^[3] She demanded that her daughter be returned to her custody, and threatened to sue. Zena was 18 and had agreed to be taken by the King, but remained silent. The matter went to the High Court, but Swaziland Attorney-General Phesheya Dlamini intervened.^[4] Mahlangu was announced as engaged to King Mswati in November, and she stayed at the Royal Palace. She was officially made King Mswati's bride in a traditional marriage ceremony in May 2004 and the mother officially dropped the case after it became clear that Zena had gone to the palace out of her own free will and had no intention of returning home because she considered herself to be in love with the King.
  • Son: Prince Saziwangaye (2004)
• May 2005 Inkhosikati LaNtentesa (born 1981 Noliqhwa Ayanda Ntentesa), betrothed November 2002, married in a traditional function held at Ludzidzini Royal Residence May 26, 2005.
• June 2005 Inkhosikati LaDube (born Nothando Dube) a Miss Teen Swaziland finalist at age 16, chosen at the Umhlanga (Reed Dance) ceremony on August 30, 2004 while she was a grade 9 pupil at Mater Dorolosa High School. Married 11 June 2005.
  • Daughter: Princess Makhosothando (2005)
• 14 April 2007 Inkhosikati LaNkambule (born Phindile Nkambule), chosen at the Umhlanga (Reed Dance) ceremony in 2005.

The United Nations Development Programe (UNDP), the United Nations global development network, is the largest multilateral source of development assistance in the world. ... is the 167th day of the year (168th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also: 1969 (number) 1969 (movie) 1969 (Stargate SG-1) episode. ... An advocate is one who speaks on behalf of another, especially in a legal context. ... The University of South Africa is a distance education university, with headquarters in Pretoria, South Africa. ... For other uses, see AIDS (disambiguation). ... is the 282nd day of the year (283rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... is the 146th day of the year (147th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Umhlanga (Reed Dance) is a traditional dance where twenty to thirty thousand of Swazilands maidens congregate and dance for the king (currently Mswati III). ... is the 242nd day of the year (243rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 162nd day of the year (163rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Umhlanga (Reed Dance) is a traditional dance where twenty to thirty thousand of Swazilands maidens congregate and dance for the king (currently Mswati III). ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Liphovela

• January 2005 Colile Nosipho Magagula (Titi) ^[5] at age 17.
• September 2005 Phindile Nkambule ^[6] at age 17.

Reed Dance

The annual Umhlanga Reed Dance is an assembly of about 20,000 young maidens who bring tall (4 metre) reeds to present to the Queen Mother. These reeds are then used to build windbreaks around the Queen Mother's residence. It is not true that the event is held in order for the King to be able to pick a wife, rather the Reed Dance is about the country's maidens paying tribute to the Queen Mother. Although the King has used the occasion to choose wives a few times, the ceremony is not about him primarily. The Reed Dance usually lasts for a week and he only attends the last day as a sign of respect to his mother. He also uses the occasion to thank the young girls who have travelled long distances to attend the event by slaughtering cows and presenting them with a feast before they return home. The Umhlanga (Reed Dance) is a traditional dance where twenty to thirty thousand of Swazilands maidens congregate and dance for the king (currently Mswati III). ...

Criticism

King Mswati III has been criticized for his lifestyle especially by the media. In 2005 he purchased a $500,000 luxury car which it turned out was paid for from his own pocket. According to the former king's office CEO, the king of Swaziland earns a high salary as head of state, has investments within the country and else where, owns an unspecified amount of shares in different companies within Swaziland. His moves towards a western type democracy has been slow and calls for democracy by banned political parties keep rising. A few years ago, moves were made to buy him and the Queen mother an executive jet, but this was abandoned because the legislature was totally against the idea.

For a number of years now the international media and community have labeled the King of Swaziland an “absolute monarch”, and tended to regard him as a dictator. Supporters of the King argue that although he is to some extent not bound by the constitution, he is bound by tradition and shares power with the Queen Mother, and is therefore not an "absolute" monarch. Supporters of the King also claim that both the King and the Tinkhundla system are popular in Swaziland, and represent the wishes of the people. In Swaziland, a tinkhundla is an administrative subdivision smaller than a district, but larger than an umphakatsi. ...

An unofficial referendum was held by the constitutional draft committee headed by Prince David during the process of drafting the constitution. Before then, two more were held by Vusela a committee that was headed by Prince Mahlalengangeni and another unofficial referendum which was headed by Prince Mangaliso. However critics argue that there has never been an actual or official referendum which was held prior to the introduction of the new constitution.

References

1. ^ UNDP Swaziland - UNDP Goodwill Ambassador HRH Inkhosikati LaMotsa
2. ^ ^{a b} Swazi queens revolt
3. ^ Amnesty International - Swaziland: Human rights at risk in a climate of political and legal uncertainty
4. ^ CBS News - Swaziland's Royal Bridal Mess
5. ^ Mswati picks 13th bride-to-be
6. ^ IOL: Mswati chooses teenage bride

External links

• Prominent People: King Mswati III
• Swazi King's Birthday features
• Swazi Royal Family Tree
• BBC News: Troubled King Mswati
• Swaziland king picks wife - BBC Video