HISTORY:
The Kingdom of Swaziland is composed of a homogenous population with a shared culture, language, and loyalty to the monarchy, which is made up the King and the Queen Mother. It is an independent Southern African Kingdom which lost protectorate status by the British at independence, in 1968. Rich in traditions and heritage, the Kingdom of Swaziland is led by a traditional monarchy which includes His Majesty King Mswati III and Queen Mother Ntombi. King Mswati III 's father, King Sobhuza, died in 1982 after steering the Swazi nation through World War II, past independence, and toward economic and political growth. The landlocked country covers 17,363 square kilometers.

The Dlamini (King Mswati III 's clan name) dynasty traces its roots back to 1750, when Dlamini III settled with his people in the Lubombo Mountains which overlook neighbouring Mozambique to the Eastern border, and which stretch into the South African Province of KwaZulu-Natal. At independence, the Kingdom of Swaziland was divided into four administrative districts: Hhohho, Manzini, Lubombo, and Shiselweni. Then, the regional boundaries were designed so that each would have at least one sizeable town to serve as an administrative centre. In 1978, the word regions replaced districts. Mbabane, which is the governmental centre, was founded as the administrative capital in 1902. The geographic make up of the country includes the highveld, where the capital sits, the middleveld and the lowveld. With the exception of desert and sea, every geographical feature of African terrain is found in the Kingdom of Swaziland, including magnificent mountain scenery with fresh water rivers, waterfalls and gorges, unique ancient rock formations which are among the oldest in the world; lush and fertile valleys. Together with Lesotho and Morocco, the Kingdom of Swaziland completes the trio of African monarchies. The Kingdom of Swaziland continues to follow a traditional, conservative path, interlinking its customs with modern western initiative and technology.

CULTURE:
The successor to the throne is chosen in relation to the status of his mother. A Queen Mother is selected because of her high rank, however, the Queen Mother will be chosen by the Royal Council after the King's death, she will be from an unrelated family. The Royal family line, the Dlamini's, never intermarry; the King is always a Dlamini, the Queen Mother is never a Dlamini. The Queen Mother may have only one son, as a king is not to be followed by blood brothers. He is "Nkosi Dlamini" and is expected to unify his position by choosing wives from all sectors of the community. The balance of power lies between the King and the Queen Mother; the "Ngwenyama" represents the hardness as expressed in thunder, the Queen Mother or "Ndlovukazi" (The Elephant) the softness as in water. They assist and advise each other in many activities, each complementing the other. The Royal Council plays a key role in the selection of the successor to the throne. He must be single and if still a minor, the Queen Mother to the late she automatically assumes responsibility of Regent until the prince is crowned "Ngwenyama". The present Queen Mother, Queen Ntombi ruled as Queen Regent until King Mswati lll  as crowned in April 1986.

THE INCWALA CEREMONY:
The Incwala or first fruit ceremony is the most sacred of all the Swazi ceremonies in which the King plays a dominant part. When there is no King, the Incwala remains in abeyance. The Incwala is usually held in December or January upon a date chosen carefully by Swazi astrologers in conjunction with the position of the sun relating to the phases of the moon. The ritual begins with the journey of the Bemanti or " the people of the water" to the ocean off Mozambique where they collect the foam from the waves. On their return to the Royal Cattle Kraal, the ceremony of the "Little Incwala" commences preceding the appearance of the full moon. Following the "Little Incwala", youth's journey in groups to every comer of the Kingdom to collect the sacred branches of the "Lusekwane" shrub which is a species of acacia. Tradition dictates that the leaves of the shrub will wilt in the hands of any youth who has been intimate with a married woman or has impregnated a young maiden. The lusekwane is taken to the Royal byre to build a small enclosure. Upon the third day a bull is ritually slaughtered by the groups of youths. This instills and promotes solidarity among the young men and a spirit of valour which is essential in fostering national unity, loyalty and discipline. The boys who are too young to take part in the lusekwane gathering, stack the imbondvo tree branches around the enclosure. The fourth day of the Incwala is the culmination of this sacred ritual, when the King, in full ceremonial dress, joins his warriors, in the traditional Incwala dance. The King then enters a special hut within the sacred enclosure and after further rituals, he eats the fruits of the new season. Upon the appearance of the King to his people, the Swazi nation can eat the first fruits with the blessing of their ancestors. The final burning of the King's bedding and household items follows, thus cleansing everything in readiness for the new year.

THE UMHLANGA OR REED DANCE:
The Reed Dance or Umhlanga takes place in late August or early September each year. It is a dance which attracts maidens from every area of the Kingdom and provides the occasion for them to honor and pay homage to the Queen Mother (Ndlovukazi). Most of the maidens who take part are in their teens, although there are some younger ones who participate. During the first week the young maidens gather reeds from specially selected areas, some of the older girls travel a long distance, leaving the young ones to choose reeds close to their homes. The day of the Reed Dance begins with bathing and grooming prior to appearing before the King and Queen Mother. The girls wear short beaded skirts decorated with fringes and buttons; together with anklets, bracelets and necklaces and colorful sashes. Each sash has appendages of different colored wool streamers; these denote whether or not the maiden is betrothed. The Royal Family Princesses wear red feathers in their hair and lead the maidens to perform before their Majesties. Each group has its own particular dance steps and song which marks their respect for the Monarch and his mother. Many of the girls carry torches to indicate that they had cut the reeds at night. The Reed Dance attracts young maidens and young men from across the Kingdom and fosters the unity of the clans which characterizes modem the Kingdom of Swaziland as devoid of tribal differences. Photographs may be taken at the Reed Dance provided permits are obtained in advance. SIBHACA DANCING Sibhaca dancing is vigorous and performed by teams of men throughout the Kingdom. Many schools encourage Sibhaca dancing among the young boys who form their own teams and perform at special occasions. Big Game Parks have their own Sibhaca dance teams at each of their reserves and the Royal Swazi Sun have two teams of dancers who will show their prowess when requested.

TRADITIONAL MEDICINE:
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 the bones fall into different patterns, the "Inyanga" will scrutinize them and then spell out a clear message in lyrical siSwati. The "Sangoma" is a traditional healer who has been "called" to the profession. Generally practiced by women, the "Sangoma" is consulted to alleviate physical and mental problems, to attend various ceremonies and to act as a counselor. When divining, the "Sangoma" relies traditionally upon spirit possession. Both the "Inyanga" and the "Sangoma" are herbalists and most Swazis consult them for varying reasons. A special school is maintained at Siteki and visits to the school can be pre-arranged as can individual consultations. ^ Top