Swaziland Independence: Eswatini: A Royal Nation’s Journey from Independence to Identity

So Am I Books
Nov 14, 2019
3 min read

Updated: Jun 24

A historical photo of two men shaking hands; one in formal military attire, the other in traditional clothing. Officials are seated behind.

On September 6, 1968, a historic moment unfolded in Southern Africa. The Kingdom of Swaziland, under the revered leadership of King Sobhuza II, officially declared its independence from the United Kingdom, ending nearly 70 years of British colonial rule. A famous photo captures this milestone — King Sobhuza II proudly holding the Certificate of Independence, standing beside Sir Francis Lloyd, the British High Commissioner to Swaziland at the time. This moment marked a profound shift in the country’s destiny — from a colonial protectorate to a sovereign nation rooted in its ancestral identity.

The Geography and Size of the Nation

Situated in Southern Africa, the landlocked nation is bordered on three sides by South Africa — to the north, south, and west — and on the east by Mozambique. Despite its small geographic footprint, Swaziland (now Eswatini) boasts a rich and complex cultural heritage that predates colonization. The country spans approximately 6,704 square miles (17,364 square kilometers), making it one of the smallest countries on the African continent. Yet, its modest size belies the depth of its royal traditions and national pride. The nation is home to approximately 1.2 million people, many of whom still live in rural areas and maintain strong ties to traditional Swazi customs and governance structures.

Twin Capitals and Traditional Governance

Eswatini is one of the few countries in the world with two capitals. Lobamba serves as the legislative and royal capital, where the Ludzidzini Royal Village, Parliament, and national museum are located. It is also where significant national ceremonies, such as the Incwala (Kingship Ceremony) and Umhlanga (Reed Dance), are held. On the other hand, Mbabane functions as the administrative and executive capital, housing the majority of government ministries, foreign embassies, and the central hub of the country’s modern economy. It is the largest urban center and a reflection of Eswatini’s evolving infrastructure and urban development.

The Renaming of a Nation: Swaziland Becomes Eswatini

Fast forward fifty years from independence — on April 19, 2018, during celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Swazi independence and King Mswati III’s 50th birthday, a significant national rebranding was declared. King Mswati III proclaimed that the Kingdom of Swaziland would officially be renamed the Kingdom of Eswatini.

The name change was more than symbolic. "Eswatini" is derived from the Swazi language, meaning "land of the Swazis." According to the King, this move was part of a broader effort to decolonize the national identity and restore indigenous nomenclature that had existed long before colonial influence. In his own words, the renaming was also meant to eliminate the common confusion between Swaziland and the European nation of Switzerland. The king had been using the name "Eswatini" for years during domestic and international engagements before making it official.

This change aligned with broader continental movements where post-colonial African nations have revisited and revised colonial-era names to better reflect indigenous languages, cultures, and histories — such as Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) and Botswana (formerly Bechuanaland).

Language and Cultural Identity

The official languages of Eswatini are Siswati and English. Siswati is a Bantu language closely related to Zulu and is spoken by the majority of the population. It serves as a unifying force in both oral tradition and formal communication. English remains widely used in government, business, and education, reflecting the lingering influence of British colonialism.

In both traditional and modern settings, the nation maintains a strong emphasis on the monarchy and ancestral customs. The king, currently King Mswati III, is one of the last absolute monarchs in the world. He rules alongside a system of councils and traditional structures, with decisions often rooted in both modern statecraft and centuries-old cultural practice.

Final Reflections

From the raising of the national flag in 1968 to the reassertion of a traditional name in 2018, Eswatini's journey illustrates a powerful narrative of self-definition, sovereignty, and cultural pride. The small kingdom continues to hold fast to its traditions while navigating the demands and challenges of globalization, development, and regional cooperation in Africa.

As Eswatini moves forward, the legacy of King Sobhuza II and the vision of King Mswati III remain pivotal in shaping a nation that honors its past while embracing its future — a land truly for and by the Swazis.