Mswati III becomes King of Swaziland

Updated: 30 Sep 2019

King Mswati III (Makhosetive Dlamini), became King of Swaziland when he succeeded his late father King Sobhuza II, who had died of pneumonia in 1982. Two relatives, Queen Dzeliwe Shongwe and Queen Ntombi Thwala, served as regents until Makhosetive, who was fourteen years old when his father died, was ready to take the reigns. Queen Shongwe ruled from 1982-1983 while Queen Thwala ruled from 1983 until 1986. During that time the prospective King was pursuing his studies at the English Sherborne School.

How we know this

01Biography, King of Swaziland Mswati III Biography-'The Story of a Prince, Holding onto power, no stranger to controversy',[online], Available at: biography.jrank.org [Accessed: 24 April 2014]

Last updated · 30 Sep 2019

Cite this entry

South African History Online. (2011, March 16). Mswati III becomes King of Swaziland. South African History Online. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0012647

South African History Online (2011) 'Mswati III becomes King of Swaziland', South African History Online, 16 March. Available at: https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0012647 (Accessed: 6 November 2026).

South African History Online, Mswati III becomes King of Swaziland [website], https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0012647, (accessed 6 November 2026).

"Mswati III becomes King of Swaziland." South African History Online, 16 Mar. 2011, https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0012647. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

South African History Online. "Mswati III becomes King of Swaziland." South African History Online. March 16, 2011. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0012647.