Ngwane V facts for kids

Ngwane V (born 11 May 1876 – died 10 December 1899) was a king of Swaziland. He was also known by other names like Mahlokohla, Bhunu, and Hhili. He ruled from 1895 until his death in 1899. Ngwane was the son of King Mbandzeni and his mother was Labotsibeni Mdluli. He became king after a short period when his grandmother, Queen Mother Tibati Nkambule, ruled for him.

He was only 16 years old when he took the throne. His main royal home was at Zombodze. His mother, the Queen Mother, lived at Lobamba. Ngwane became king after an agreement in 1894. This agreement made Swaziland a protected state of the South African Republic. This republic was led by President Paul Kruger.

During Ngwane's rule, Swaziland had two types of government. There was a Dutch administration for European interests. Ngwane led the Swazi nation. He and his mother received yearly payments from taxes and fees. Ngwane's time as king was short. In 1899, the Anglo-Boer War started. This war ended the Dutch control in Swaziland. It led to Swaziland's independence. However, King Mahlokohla died on December 10, 1899. He passed away while dancing during the incwala ceremony. His death was kept secret until the ceremony finished.

Ngwane was followed by his four-month-old son, Nkhotfotjeni. His wife, Lomawa Ndwandwe, became Queen Mother. His mother, Labotsibeni, was very important during his reign. She continued to rule as queen regent until Sobhuza became king in 1921. Ngwane's rule helped keep Swaziland stable. It was surrounded by countries that were fighting. Today, a main street in Mbabane, Swaziland's capital, is named Mahlokohla Street after him.

Early Life of Ngwane V

Ingwenyama Ngwane was born in 1876. His parents were King Mbandzeni and Queen Labotsibeni. He became the future king of Swaziland after his father died in 1889. This time was known as the paper conquest of Swaziland. But Ngwane was too young to be king right away. So, a queen regent ruled for him. She prepared him to take over the country.

His mother, Labotsibeni, was the daughter of Matsafeni Mdluli. Matsafeni was a governor under King Mswati II. Labotsibeni got her name Tsibeni while fighting people in a place now called Barberton. Ngwane also had a younger brother named Prince Malunge.

Ngwane V's Time as King

Ngwane's time as king was short but full of important events. The Swaziland agreement of 1894 made Swaziland a protected area. It was under the control of the South African Republic. This meant that some groups in Swaziland were set up for European people. These included people who had special rights to land and other white settlers.

Many of these special rights were given during the rule of King Mbandzeni and earlier by Mswati II. These rights were now enforced. King Ngwane and Queen Mother Labotsibeni received money from taxes and other income. This income came from things like postal services and land agreements. Taxes were collected from Swazi people. This meant many had to find jobs in mines in Swaziland or the South African Republic. The South African Republic's power in Swaziland was not fully in place. Swazis continued to be ruled by their traditional leaders.

In 1898, Ngwane was accused of ordering the death of a royal governor. This practice was not allowed by the South African Republic. Ngwane first went to Zululand, which was under British control. He returned after being promised safety. He was then tried in court in Bremersdorp (now Manzini). Ngwane brought a large Swazi army with him to court. He was only charged with a minor offense and had to pay a fine. For the rest of his rule, Ngwane kept his country mostly peaceful. He also kept the old system of warriors at the royal homes.

In 1899, a war started between the British and the Boer Republics. These were the Transvaal and the Orange Free State. All white residents in Swaziland were told to leave. This was because fighting was expected. President Paul Kruger told Ngwane about the war. He advised Ngwane to continue to rule his country peacefully. Swaziland said it would not take sides in the war. However, the Anglo-Boer War later took place in Swaziland. Because of this war, Swaziland became independent again.

Later Life and Legacy

Ngwane died in December 1899. He was 23 years old. He passed away while dancing during the special incwala ceremony. People thought he might have been poisoned. His death was not announced until the ceremony was over. The Swazi council then chose his wife, Lomawa Ndwandwe, to be Queen Mother. Their four-month-old son, Nkhotfotjeni, was chosen to be the new king.

Sobhuza would not become king until 1921. This was after a long period when his grandmother, Labotsibeni, and his uncle, Prince Malunge, ruled for him. Ngwane left Swaziland in an uncertain state. But he had led it as a stable country. It went from being a protected area to being independent for a short time (1899–1903). His son, Sobhuza, would rule Swaziland for 82 years. He became one of the longest-ruling monarchs in history.