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Swaziland: Royal Kingdom
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The Kingdom of Swaziland is a nation that has struggled to preserve cultural traditions while undergoing recent modernization efforts. Many of the traditional ceremonies have been successfully sustained. These include annual festivals and many of the dances; others have been adapted with less success. For instance, in traditional Swazi culture, virginity was long respected as a highly desirable and valuable trait for unmarried men and women. In today’s society, little value is placed on a decision to abstain until marriage.
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Swaziland has four geographical regions together with its major towns Hhohho, Lubombo, Shiselweni, Manzini, Mbabane, Siteki, Piggs Peak and Nhlangano. Manzini mainly known as the hub of Swaziland and formerly known as the Bremersdorp has the largest urban population in the kingdom. Mbabane is the capital town of Swaziland and it is mostly surrounded by government offices and has less population than Manzini approximately 40,000 inhabitants.Swaziland has its own spectacular and unique cultural values which attracts most people all over the world.The Reed Dance and the Incwala Ceremonies are the events that the kingdom's visitors mostly admire.
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Traditional healers in the Kingdom of Swaziland are regarded as physicians, prophets, priests, herbalists and diviners which places a great responsibility upon them. Approximately 80% of the Swazi Nation consult them and there are both male and female traditional healers. The "Inyanga" inherits his skills from his grandfather and father. His profession is dominated by men and the "Inyanga" holds a senior place in Swazi society. His main function is divination which may be effected by throwing the bones. After several throws when bones fall into different patterns, the "Inyanga" will scrutinize them and then spell out a clear message in lyrical siSwati.
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Ceremonies Both the monarchy and people of Swaziland actively maintain and preserve their cultural heritage. The many ceremonies, in particular those attended by the King and the Royal household, attract visitors from all over the world to witness the unique culture that binds the nation to its colorful past.
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King Sobhuza II of Swaziland was installed as the Ngwenyama of the Swazi nation in 1921. The king jealously cherished and preserved Swazi traditions. Five years after independence, the king repealed the constitution designed by the British and restored the traditional system of government, in which all effective power remains in the royal capital.
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The ancestors of the Swazi probably moved into the Mozambique area from the north prior to the 16th cent. Fleeing Zulu attacks in the early 19th cent., they settled in present-day Swaziland. During the 1800s, Europeans entered the area to seek concessions, and in 1894, Swaziland became a protectorate of the Transvaal. In 1906, Swaziland became a High Commission Territory ruled by a British commissioner. Limited self-government was not granted until 1963, and four years later Swaziland became a kingdom under a new constitution. On Sept. 6, 1968, Swaziland achieved complete independence but retained membership in the Commonwealth of Nations. The king became the head of state, administering through a cabinet and a prime minister chosen by parliament.
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