Sobhuza II

Sobhuza in 1945

Sobhuza II, KBE (also known as Nkhotfotjeni,[1] Mona [2]) (22 July 1899 – 21 August 1982) was the Paramount Chief and later King of Swaziland for 82 years. He is the longest-reigning monarch in recorded history.[3][4]

Sobhuza was born on 22 July 1899 at Zombodze Royal Residence, the son of Inkhosikati Lomawa Ndwandwe and King Ngwane V. When he was only four months old, his father died suddenly while dancing incwala (a traditional celebration of kingship). Sobhuza was chosen King soon after that, and his grandmother Labotsibeni and uncle Prince Malunge led the Swazi nation until his maturity in 1921.[5]

According to the Swaziland National Trust Commission, King Sobhuza II married 70 wives, who gave him 210 children between 1920 and 1970. About 180 children survived infancy, and 97 sons and daughters are reported living. At his death he had more than 1000 grandchildren.[6]

Sobhuza was supported by Apartheid South Africa[7] and led Swaziland through independence until his death in 1982. He was succeeded by Mswati III, his young son with Inkhosikati Ntfombi Tfwala, who was crowned in 1986.

References

  1. ↑ "Eswatini (Swaziland)". www.worldstatesmen.org.
  2. ↑ "Swaziland National Trust Commission - Cultural Resources - King Sobhuza II". www.sntc.org.sz. Archived from the original on 2015-03-02. Retrieved 2014-11-12.
  3. ↑ Cahoon, Ben. "Swaziland". World Statesmen.org. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  4. ↑ SNTC. "CULTURAL RESOURCES: King Sobhuza II". Archived from the original on 2 March 2015. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  5. ↑ Platter, John (13 August 1979). "Long Live the King: Sobhuza II of Swaziland looks back on 80 Years and 100 wives". People.com. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 28 November 2013.
  6. ↑ Swaziland National Trust Commission. "Succession In Swazi Kingship". Sntc.org.sz. Archived from the original on 25 July 2001. Retrieved 28 November 2013.
  7. ↑ Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa Report, Volume Two (PDF) (Report). 29 October 1998. p. 528-529. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 November 2009.

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