Swaziland’s
King Mswati III is the last absolute monarch in Africa, and has been a
controversial figure since he assumed power in 1986. Though many of his
practices are steeped in Swazi tradition, increasing demands for human rights
and democracy in Swaziland have shrouded the king in criticism and calls for
change. Here are ten things you may not have known about King Mswati III.
1.
His birth name, Makhosetive, translates to “Kings of Nations”
King Mswati was born on April 19, 1968 in Manzini,
Swaziland, and was given the birth name of Makhosetive, meaning “Kings of
Nations.” His birth occurred just four months before Swaziland gained
independence from Britain.
2.
He excelled at sibhaca in his youth
While in primary and secondary school, Makhosetive
discovered his talents for sibhaca, a traditional Swazi dance. He organized a
sibhaca dance team that competed at various competitions around the country,
including at the University of Swaziland.
3.
Makhosetive attended boarding school in the United Kingdom
After completing his Swaziland Primary Certificate
Examination – with merits in Mathematics and English – Makhosetive traveled to
Sherbourne, in the south of the United Kingdom, to study English, mathematics,
business studies, geography, physical science, and economics.
4.
Makhosetive became the first young cadet to join the Umbutfo Swaziland Defence
Force
After finishing school, King Mswati III – then known as
Makhosetive – developed a great interest in the royal guard. He became the
first young cadet to join the Umbutfo Swaziland Defence Force (USDF), or
Swaziland’s military, that focuses primarily on domestic protests and border
and customs duties, as they have never been involved in a foreign conflict.
5.
When crowned king, he was the youngest ruling monarch at the time
King Mswati III was crowned King of Swaziland on April 25,
1986, at the age of 18, making him the youngest ruling monarch in the world at
the time. He was selected to be king at the age of 14 when his father, King
Sobhuza II, died in 1982, and two of Sobhuza’s wives (Queen Dzeliwe Shongwe and
Queen Ntfombi Tfwala, Makhosetive’s mother) served as regent while he finished
his education.
6.
After assuming power, King Mswati III quickly disbanded the Liqoqo
The Liqoqo, the supreme traditional advisory power, were
involved in factional quarrels within the regime following King Sobhuza II’s
death, forcing the Queen Regent (the childless Queen Shongwe) to resign. It was
at that point that Queen Ntombi, Makhosetive’s mother, took the position until
King Mswati III was crowned, and he disbanded the Liqoyo and called for
parliamentary elections.
7.
King Mswati III recently increased his own household budget
In May 2014, King Mswati III increased his household budget
to $61 million, despite the fact that over 60% of the 1.2 million population
lives on less than $1 per day. The king’s budget is not subject to parliament
approval, as it would be seen as challenging the absolute monarch, so Mswati
III was able to make the 10% increase for additional construction on his
palaces, his mother’s upkeep, his own salary, and more. King Mswati III’s
personal fortune is estimated at approximately $200 million.
8.
He has 14 wives to date
King Mswati III has become the subject of much controversy
surrounding his polygamous lifestyle. He recently chose his 15th wife, a
19-year-old virgin named Sindi, at the annual reed dance ceremony that is
centered around hundreds of young girls dancing topless for the king, in
September 2014. There is some debate, however, on whether Sindi is the king’s
14th or 15th wife.
9.
He has received extensive criticism for his response to the HIV/AIDS crisis in
Swaziland
Swaziland has the highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the
world, with 26% of its population suffering from the disease. King Mswati III
has taken much criticism for his insufficient response to the disease, which
has life expectancy rates in Swaziland resting at only 48 years of age, and a
wide dearth of antiretroviral drugs and HIV testing. The king attempted to
institute a “chastity law” in a misguided effort to combat HIV/AIDS, which made
it illegal for women to engage in sexual intercourse until the age of 21, but
quickly broke the law himself when he took a 16-year-old girl as his next wife.
10.
Erykah Badu recently performed at King Mswati’s birthday party
In April 2014, hip hop and soul artist Erykah Badu performed
at King Mswati’s 46th birthday party, as a guest of jeweler Jacob Arabo. Badu
sang “Happy Birthday” to the king, and dedicated her first song to the “sons of
Kings.” She also reportedly gave him a $100 note and a “special stone which she
said would uplift His Majesty’s spirits when he was feeling down.” After the
event, Badu received extensive international criticism for performing for the
absolute monarch, though she was unpaid.
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