King Mswati III of Eswatini: 4 decades in power as Africa's richest monarch
Who is King Mswati III?
King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Eswatini is approaching his 40th year on the throne in two weeks, cementing his status as one of the longest-serving rulers in Africa.
Since assuming the throne in 1986 at the age of eighteen, as the youngest crowned monarch in the world at the time, controversy has not ceased regarding his lifestyle and his policies in running the state.
Royal wealth amid economic challenges
Mswati III is ranked among the richest kings in Africa, with his personal wealth estimated at more than $300 million according to Forbes reports.
This wealth is evident in his acquisition of private planes, including a “DC-9” that was gifted to him on his 44th birthday, to facilitate the travel of his large family.
In contrast, the economic figures for the Kingdom of Eswatini paint a different picture; while the palace enjoys luxury, more than half of the population lives below the national poverty line.
Statistics released in 2024 reveal that the per capita share of the gross domestic product does not exceed $3,898, with unemployment rates among young people (15-25 years old) reaching a catastrophic rate of 56%.
Married to 14 women
The monarchy is plagued by widespread human rights criticism, particularly regarding women's rights. According to reports, the case of Lamahalango, who was forcibly taken to become the king's wife, is one of the most prominent crises that has sparked international outrage.
The king adheres to the annual Umhlanga “cane dance” tradition, a huge eight-day celebration involving tens of thousands of women, through which the king chooses a new bride.
In 2024, the king chose his fourteenth wife, Sevil Mashuam, aged 19, amid strict restrictions imposed on the king’s wives within the monarchy.
Geography of Identity and Independence
The kingdom is located in the heart of South Africa, and is characterized by its picturesque mountainous terrain in the west and lowlands in the east. It has a population of approximately 1.16 million people, and its political functions are divided between the administrative capital, Mbabane, and the legislative capital, Lubamba.
On the 50th anniversary of independence from Britain, the country’s name was changed from “Swaziland” to “Eswatini” to strengthen national identity. The country’s emblem consists of the lion “Ingwenyama,” which symbolizes the king, while the female elephant “Indlovukaze” symbolizes the queen mother.
The coat of arms of Eswatini bears the phrase “We are the fortress,” reflecting the traditional bond between the people and the throne. As King Mswati III enters his fifth decade on the throne, the question remains: can this traditional “fortress” withstand the economic pressures and growing demands for rights across the African continent?
