.jpg)
MATSAPHA – His Majesty the King has been officially crowned ‘King of Kings’ by a group of African monarchs and traditional leaders.
They are in the country to seek his leadership and representation at the continental level. The meeting is co-hosted by the African Union (AU) Human Rights Commission, recognising the rights of indigenous African leaders to participate in governance.
Over 50 kings, queens and chiefs from across Africa and the diaspora have converged at Esibayeni Lodge in Matsapha, where they are holding a historic conference aimed at re-establishing the role and voice for the traditional authorities of the continent.
They want the King to be their champion and mouthpiece of traditional leaders in Africa.
The leaders, who held a closed session yesterday, resolved to request His Majesty to take up the responsibility of representing them at the AU and in their respective countries of origin.
They will formalise their request through a declaration and if the King agrees, will officially be appointed to lead the African traditional leaders in their quest for recognition in the AU and their countries.
“We want the 150 traditional leaders to be here in 2026 for another conference,” said Conference Convener King Mfaw Robinson Tanyi of the Tinto-Mbu Kingdom in Cameroon
Declaring the kingdom as a great nation, the African Indigenous Governance Council (AIGC) Forum conference of African traditional leaders was convened under the theme ‘Justice for Africans and people of African Descent through reparations’.
Some of the Kings and queens who are attending the conference that was described as groundbreaking, include Zolani Mkiva, the Secretary General for the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA), Princess Kana of Burundi, Namboka Ireneo, Chief Dr Wallace Williams, who is also an ambassador and Queen Boresah Nkigiwurche of the great Konja Kingdom of Savaanah.
The traditional leaders travelled from Cameroon, Mali, Somalia, Kenya, Zambia, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa and other nations, including representatives from the African diaspora.
The event was also attended by local chiefs, who included Chiefs Dambuza Lukhele, Prince Senzangakhona, Ludlakama of Nginamadvolo, Dlenye Bhembe of Zenukeni, Ngalonkhulu Mabuza of Mafutseni, Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini and Speaker Jabulani Mabuza and Senator Ndumiso Mamba, among others.
Their request was anchored on the argument that the Eswatini Monarch, together with that of Morocco, remains one of the few African sovereigns who continues to enjoy peace, prosperity and influence within his country.
Therefore, their mission is to lobby His Majesty to act as a unifying figure and voice for traditional leaders, whose powers have been diminished or entirely removed by modern political systems.
In their deliberations, the traditional leaders discussed how His Majesty could help them regain their standing in societies where colonial and post-colonial governments relegated monarchies to largely ceremonial roles. They believe his example could help chart a new path for Kings and queens who continue to wield symbolic importance, but struggle to influence national policy or protect cultural heritage.
“The feeling among many of these leaders is that His Majesty represents continuity and stability,” said one delegate. “They look to him as someone who can demonstrate that traditional authority still has relevance in modern governance.”
The gathering also debated the creation of a continental body, through which traditional leaders can consolidate their voices and push for recognition by African governments.
*…
King urges traditional leaders to reclaim their place
MATSAPHA – His Majesty the King has urged Africa’s traditional leaders to reclaim their place at the centre of governance and development, declaring that indigenous leadership must play a stronger role in shaping the continent’s future.
The King was speaking yesterday during the official opening of the inaugural African Indigenous Governance Council (AIGC) Forum at Esibayeni Lodge.
The gathering has drawn more than 50 kings, queens, chiefs and other traditional authorities from across Africa and the diaspora, making it one of the largest assemblies of traditional leaders on the continent in recent history.
In his address, delivered by Prince Guduza, the King said the Kingdom of Eswatini was honoured to host what he described as a ‘rebirth’ of African governance, where ancestral systems would no longer be sidelined but recognised as key pillars of unity, peace and prosperity.
“We are here to safeguard our sacred cultural heritage, preserve our indigenous knowledge, promote peace and reconciliation, and drive community development,” he said, adding that the forum represented ‘a beacon of hope’ for the African Union and the global stage.
The traditional leaders are in the country to seek King Mswati’s support in representing their collective interests at the African Union. Their request reflects a long-standing desire for formal recognition of indigenous governance structures, which many argue continue to command legitimacy at the grassroots level despite decades of marginalisation after independence.
King Mswati III echoed this aspiration, pointing out that Eswatini had chosen a different path in 1968 by retaining its monarchy and traditional governance. This decision, he said, had given the nation stability and resilience.
Through the Eswatini Nation Land and the Tinkhundla System of Government, the King argued, Eswatini had demonstrated that tradition and modernity could coexist. “Our system is inclusive; it does not leave anyone behind,” he said.
The King highlighted traditional ceremonies such as Umhlanga (Reed Dance), Incwala, Buganu and Butimba as living symbols of cultural continuity that strengthen nationhood and inspire the youth.
He invited the visiting leaders to attend the Reed Dance at Ludzidzini Royal Residence today, describing it as more than a celebration.
“It is a testament to the enduring power of our traditions in uniting and inspiring our youth,” he said.
At the same time, the King reminded delegates that Eswatini’s example showed how ancestral systems could be integrated within modern governance frameworks.
He noted that other African nations had also refused to abandon their cultural heritage, proving that ‘ancestral systems can thrive within modern frameworks, fostering solidarity, respect and continuity’.
The forum coincides with the African Union’s 2025 theme, Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.
The King stressed that slavery, colonialism and apartheid had left deep scars that continued to fuel inequality and division across the continent.
“As traditional leaders, we carry the moral weight to address these challenges, offering solutions rooted in our shared heritage and wisdom,” he told the gathering.
Delegates are expected to finalise a Traditional Leaders’ Declaration on Reparations, which will form part of preparations for a continental summit in 2026.
The King said this was a ‘sacred step’ towards healing historical injustices and reaffirming Africa’s dignity.
*…
Eswatini reaffirms commitment to preserve indigenous governance
MATSAPHA – Eswatini has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving indigenous governance and cultural heritage as the country hosts the inaugural gathering of kings, queens and chiefs from across the continent.
Speaking at the opening of the forum at Esibayeni Lodge yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thulisile Dladla introduced His Majesty King Mswati III’s representative and said the conference was a defining moment for Africa.
She described it as an opportunity to reaffirm the value of indigenous traditions and governance systems that had long sustained African societies.
“It is my singular honour and privilege, on behalf of the government and people of the Kingdom of Eswatini, to welcome you all to this historic gathering,” she said. “The presence of so many kings, queens, chiefs and other distinguished authorities here reflects a shared commitment to safeguard these legacies while advancing Africa’s unity, dignity and development.”
The DPM said the forum also marked the beginning of preparations for the first-ever Continental Traditional Leaders’ Summit, scheduled for 2026. This, she added, was in line with the African Union’s recognition of the role of traditional institutions in advancing justice, peace and reconciliation.
Dladla acknowledged the partnership between the AIGC and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in bringing the vision to life.
She said Eswatini took pride in hosting the preparatory platform, which positioned the kingdom at the centre of continental efforts to strengthen ancestral governance.
“At the centre of this noble undertaking stands His Majesty King Mswati III, the custodian of Eswatini’s traditions and Africa’s only hereditary monarch serving simultaneously as Head of State within the African Union,” she said.
She stressed that the King’s patronage lent not only the weight of his throne, but also his personal conviction that Africa’s traditional institutions remained indispensable to the future of the continent.
*…
‘Eswatini investing in traditional leadership’
MATSAPHA – Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, Minister for Tinkhundla Administration and Development said government is investing in the country’s traditional leadership through rehabilitating chiefdoms.
The exercise, funded with over E3.2 million will go towards the fencing of the chiefdoms. He said some chiefdoms have already been fenced as the project continues to be rolled out through the over 300 chiefdoms. The minister said the project was the initiative of His Majesty the King, aimed at reinforcing the country’s traditional leadership and more funds will be channelled to such initiatives in the next budget.
The minister said he was happy that African traditional leaders were positively impacted by the leadership of the King.
“I am happy to be serving under his astute leadership and I have personally grown under his tutelage,” he said. He said while in Ghana, the King announced that the country would have a Council of Chiefs as provided for in the Constitution,” he said.
Country honoured to have traditional leaders - Masuku
MATSAPHA – Themba Masuku, Shiselweni Regional Administrator and former Deputy Prime Minister, said it was an honour for the country to have traditional leaders from all over Africa, seeking His Majesty’s leadership.
Masuku said the King’s leadership continues to positively touch the world, especially Africa, in an unbelievable way.
He said Africa was impressed with the King so much that a number of African leaders spent time in the country learning how the country maintains peace and stability while improving the lives of the people.
“This is a noble initiative that needed the country’s support. The power that he will have is enormous. The king will need all our support, from the chiefdom level,” he said.
He said the grassroot support for the King will help him deliver to the mandate of the traditional African leaders.
Masuku said the country has a challenge to strengthen the traditional structures with resources. We need to provide resources ourselves and Africa should also follow suit.
*Full article available in our publication.
