By Mete Erdurcan and Baron Henri Estramant.
The Ngwenyama of Swaziland, His Majesty King Mswati III, opened the new session of the Swazi parliament on Thursday, 26 February 2015. He addressed the nation and urged them to ‘protect the country’ from certain groups that can portray a negative image of Swaziland to the world. To maintain the country’s good image, the Ngwenyama of Swaziland (lit. “Lion of Swaziland) urged his subjects to remain “loyal” and be “patriotic”.
King Mswati III, born under the name of Prince Makhosetive Dlamini (of the Royal Clan Dlamini) on 19 April 1968, is the last semi-absolute monarch of Africa, and the world. At the time of his appointment to the throne, he was the youngest reigning monarch, being merely 18 years and 6 days back in 1986.
The Ngwenyama of Swaziland sways a lot of political power in the sub-Saharan country, fully engulfed by South Africa. He appoints the Prime Minister, other top governmental posts, as well as the traditional chieftains. However the King’s powers are not “absolute” as often stated in the international media. He must adhere to Swazi customs, and cannot even choose his own successor amongst his sons as rules of succession are complicated, and determined by tradition and origin; though the Ngwenyama must belong to the Dlamini Clan. He is considered to be the country’s administrative Chief of State whereas the Indlovukazi (Queen Mother, or lit. Great-She Elephant) is the traditional, ceremonial and religious Head of State. According to Swazi protocol the Indlovukazi, Queen Ntfombi even outranks her son.
In 1973, the Parliament of Swaziland was disbanded by the late King Sobhuza II (reigned 1921-1982), but reinstated by King Mswati III. To decide on the matter of cabinet appointments, The King is advised by His Prime Minister.
