History of Swaziland


The People

The Swazi people comprise a single tribe made up of several clans - not unlike the Scots. They settled in the area during the mid-eighteenth century when they were called the Nkosi Dlamini and eventually became know as the Swazis.

The Swazis are a proud but peace-loving people with happy personalities and a keen sense of humour: they are often referred to as the Latins of Africa.

Independence
Swaziland became a self-governing state in 1967 when Sobhuza II was recognised international as a king and the country acquired its own flag. On 6 September 1968 independent status was attained.

The Monarchy
monarchy, one of the only three in Africa ( Morocco and nearby Lesotho also have Kings), is a dual one with the King or (lion) ruling in conjunction with the Queen Mother or Ndiovukazi (she-elephant).

The Political System
Swaziland is an independent state whose fully autonomous government falls under the monarch who is also Head of State.

The Westminster based constitution was revoked in 1973 and replaced with a system which facilitates western and traditional styles of government. This structure incorporates the system known as Tinkhudla and enables the people to elect their parliamentary representatives for specific constituencies.

Power is vested in the King who appoints the Prime Minister and consults with the Cabinet which is headed by the Prime Minister and the bicameral parliament. This represents the western system. The Swazi National Council, known in the vernacular as Libandla, is that traditional side. This is headed by the King and Queen Mother in accordance with the dual monarchy and with the Queen Mother's role mainly to uphold traditional and cultural elements. Swaziland's legal system also operates on a dual basis comprising traditional Swazi National courts as well as constitutional courts. The latter practise as well as an industrial Court. They are headed by a Chief Justice under whom fall judges and magistrates. The constitutional courts have the final ruling in the event of any contention between the two systems. The Government of Swaziland, headed by the Prime Minister, Compresses various cabinet ministries under whom in turn fall different departments. There are also serval parastatal bodies as well as non-government organisations.
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