Changes introduced by Mswati I

Changes introduced by Mswati I

Ndwandwe influence on the Ngwane was due to Sobhuza son Mswati (1840- 68), as the son of the Ndwandwe Princess.

Mswati was considered too young to rule until 1845 and soon established himself as the greatest of the Ngwane kings.

He gave his name to the Ngwane Society/ Nation as the people of Mswati, - emaSwati or (in is; Zulu as amaSwazi).

His regents (before 1845) Thandile and Somcuba organized the state along Ndwandwe lines.

The King became the leader of the annual ceremonies, Incwala.

The royal villages were created in the state in outlying areas under Royal wives.

The subject assimilated youth were pressed into the army and constant military raids abroad continued.

The Queen mother (nDlovukati) became the most powerful political figure in the state next to the king.

The Queen mother checked on the excess powers of the king which was of Ndwandwe origin.

Tee king had responsibility to the nation council of elders (Libandla).

Si-Swati language became the common dialect of clans and Nguni tribes in the state.

He made the Swazi people a powerful group in the area.

He extended the Swazi boundary as far as the Limpopo River in 1862.

The kingdom became highly militarized in reaction to its hostile neigbhours like the Zulu and the Boers.

Mswati had a much more aggressive foreign policy.

He made the Swazi one of the more powerful Bantu people's in the region with a defensive state

Mswati gained control over his neighboring peoples. As late as 1860, he was trying to extend his influence over the Shagaan Kingdom of Mozarnbique.

In 1840's and 1850's the different clans in Swaziland developed into a kingdom with clear national element. Nation-building in Swaziland was not based on military power and authoritarian rule as in Zulu land.

He borrowed many ideas from the Zulu, Sotho, Pedi and the Ndwandwe structure of government.

Mswati died in 1868 after which the Boers tool amore direct interest in Swazi affairs.

The Swazi remained a dominant power in the area of the Delagoa Bay despite Zulu threats until late 1860's.

Mswati ensured that subject chiefs could not become rich and independent - minded by marrying his sisters to them and demanding continuous 'lobola' payment in cattle and other gifts

He ruled the state with undisputed success until his death in 1868.