Mswati III facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mswati III |
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| Ngwenyama | |
Mswati III in 2024
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| King of Eswatini | |
| Reign | 25 April 1986 – present |
| Coronation | 25 April 1986 |
| Predecessor | Sobhuza II |
| Born | Makhosetive Dlamini 19 April 1968 Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital, Manzini, Swaziland Protectorate |
| Spouse |
16 wives concurrently
Nomsah Matsebula (first)
Sindi Motsa (second) |
| Issue | 45 children |
| House | Dlamini |
| Father | Sobhuza II |
| Mother | Ntfombi Tfwala |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Signature |  |
Mswati III was born Makhosetive Dlamini on April 19, 1968. He is the current King of Eswatini, a country in Southern Africa. He is also the head of the Swazi royal family. As king, he has a lot of power over the government and laws.
He was born in Manzini, which was then called the Protectorate of Swaziland. His father was King Sobhuza II, and his mother was Ntfombi Tfwala. Mswati III became king on April 25, 1986, when he was 18 years old. At that time, he was the youngest king in the world.
King Mswati III and his mother, Queen Mother Ntfombi Tfwala, are the last absolute monarchs in Africa. This means they have a lot of control over the country. The king is in charge of the army, police, and prisons. He also has a big say in how the government and local areas are run.
Under his rule, political groups are not allowed in Eswatini. The government also controls most of the news and TV channels. King Mswati III lives a very rich lifestyle. He has 16 wives and 45 children. In 2018, he changed the country's name from Swaziland to Eswatini. This was done to celebrate 50 years of independence and to use the country's original name.
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Early Life
Mswati III was born on April 19, 1968, in Manzini. His father, King Sobhuza II, had many wives. Mswati was the only child of his mother, Ntfombi Tfwala. He was born just four months before Eswatini became independent from the United Kingdom. His birth name was Makhosetive, which means "Kings of Nations."
As a young prince, Makhosetive went to primary school and later to Lozitha Palace School. He was very good at math and English. He also showed a strong interest in the royal guard and became a young cadet in the country's defense force.
When King Sobhuza II passed away in 1982, Prince Makhosetive was chosen to be the next king. He was 14 years old at the time. While he finished his education in the United Kingdom, two of his father's wives, Queen Dzeliwe Shongwe and Queen Ntfombi Tfwala, ruled the country as regents.
Reign as King
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Mswati became the crown prince in September 1983. He was officially crowned king on April 25, 1986. He was 18 years and 6 days old, making him one of the youngest kings of his time.
Today, King Mswati III is Africa's last absolute monarch. This means he has the power to choose the prime minister and other important government and traditional leaders. Even though he appoints these roles, he often gets advice from the queen mother and other councils. He also has a big say in how laws are made.
In 2006, King Mswati introduced a new constitution. This constitution allows for freedom of speech and assembly. However, some groups say that these freedoms are still limited in practice.
King Mswati has visited Taiwan many times. He has promised that Eswatini will continue to recognize Taiwan as a country.
Eswatini is mostly a rural country. Many people there live in poverty. A small group of business people, including some from South Africa, control most of the country's money.
In January 2021, King Mswati got COVID-19. He later thanked Taiwan for sending medicine that helped him get better.
In June 2021, some protests happened in Eswatini. These protests were against the government's control and lack of political freedom. There were rumors that the king had left the country, but these were denied by the acting prime minister.
Wives and Family
The king currently has 16 wives and 45 children. The first two wives are chosen for him by the national advisors. There are special rules about who can become king next. In Swazi tradition, the king is chosen through his mother. This is shown in the saying, Inkhosi, yinkhosi ngenina, which means "a king is king through his mother."
Country Name Change
On April 19, 2018, King Mswati III changed the country's name from Swaziland to Eswatini. This happened on his 50th birthday and marked 50 years since the country became independent. Eswatini is the old, original name for the country. The king chose this name to move away from its colonial past.
Honours and Awards
King Mswati III has received many honours, both from Eswatini and other countries.
From Eswatini
- Grand Master of the Royal Order of King Sobhuza II (1986)
- Grand Master of the Royal Order of the Great She-Elephant (2002)
- Grand Master of the Royal Order of the Crown (2002)
- Grand Master of the Royal Family Order of Mswati III (2002)
- Grand Master of the Military Order of Swaziland (2002)
- Grand Master of the Order of the Elephant (2018)
From Other Countries
- United Kingdom: Knight of the Venerable Order of St John (1991)
- South Africa: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Good Hope (1995)
See also
- Without the King, a 2007 documentary film about Mswati III and his daughter Princess Sikhanyiso.
