Sobhuza II

Sobhuza II was the king of Swaziland, which is now called Eswatini. He was king for a very long time—82 years and 254 days—which is the longest reign of any monarch in recorded history. Sobhuza II was born on July 22, 1899, at the Zombodze Royal Residence. He became king when he was just four months old after his father, King Bhunu, passed away. Because he was so young, his grandmother Labotsibeni and his great-uncle Prince Malunge helped lead the country until he was older.

In 1967, the British government recognized Sobhuza II as the official king, and in 1968, Swaziland became an independent country. Sobhuza II continued to rule until he passed away in 1982. After his death, his son Mswati III became the new king in 1986. Sobhuza II’s long rule helped shape the history of Eswatini, and he is remembered as one of the longest-reigning monarchs in the world.

Early life and education

Ingwenyama Sobhuza was born in Zombodze on 22 July 1899. He became King of Swaziland on 10 December 1899 when he was just four months old, after his father, Ngwane V, passed away. His grandmother, Labotsibeni Mdluli, acted as regent until he was old enough to rule. Sobhuza went to school at Zombodze Primary School, Swazi National School, and the Lovedale Institution in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. He officially took on his royal duties at the age of twenty-two, after studying anthropology in England.

Kingship

The National Archives pictures of the Swazi royal family

Sobhuza ruled for over 60 years, from 1921 until 1982. During his time, Swaziland (now called Eswatini) gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1968. Before independence, Sobhuza worked hard to get back land that had been taken from his people. He traveled to meet with leaders in London to ask for fairness.

He played an important role in helping his country become independent. After independence, Sobhuza worked to balance traditions with new changes. The economy of Swaziland grew, and many resources that were once controlled by others were brought back under local control during his rule.

Later life and death

Sobhuza celebrated his Diamond Jubilee in 1981. By then, he had restored and strengthened the monarch's role as the main decision-maker in his kingdom. In the early 1980s, King Sobhuza tried to gain control over KaNgwane, a group set up by the South African government, hoping to bring together all Swazi people separated by colonial borders. He passed away on 21 August 1982 at Embo State house at the age of 83.

Sobhuza's reign lasted 82 years and 254 days, the longest precisely dated monarchical reign on record. Only Min Hti of the Kingdom of Arakan, Pepi II Neferkare of Ancient Egypt, and Taejo of Goguryeo are thought to have ruled longer, but these claims are debated.

Family and succession

King Sobhuza II was known as the "Bull of the Swazi" because he had many children. He had many wives, with his favorite being Pauline Fikelephi Masuku. He had 70 wives who gave him 210 children between 1920 and 1970. About 180 of these children lived past their early years, and 97 were still alive by the year 2000. By the time he died, he had over 1,000 grandchildren.

When King Sobhuza II passed away in 1982, he had already chosen Prince Sozisa Dlamini to help guide the kingdom during the time before a new king could take over. The new king had to be chosen after the king's death, and sometimes a regent, or temporary ruler, was needed if the chosen king was too young. The first regent was Queen Dzeliwe, but later she was replaced by Queen Ntfombi. Queen Ntombi ruled until her son, Prince Makhosetive Dlamini, was old enough. He became the new king, known as King Mswati III, in 1986.

One of King Sobhuza's sons-in-law was Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, the king of the Zulus in South Africa. He married one of Sobhuza's daughters, Princess Mantfombi. Another son-in-law was Zenani Mandela, the daughter of Nelson Mandela, who married Sobhuza's son, Prince Thumbumuzi Dlamini.

Honours

Sobhuza II received many important awards and honors during his life. He was made the Grand Master of the Royal Order of the King Sobhuza II in 1975 in Swaziland, now called Eswatini. He also received several honors from the United Kingdom, including the Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1966, the Honorary Commander in 1950, and the Honorary Officer in 1937. After he passed away, he was honored with the Supreme Companion of the Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo from South Africa in 2006.