THE MOTHER OF THE SWAZI NATION

CELEBRATING LIFE OF OUR POWERFUL MOTHER OF THE NATION

“It is always been my dream as Mother of the Nation, to uplift the living standard of our people . Women in the rural areas, have to a large extent, been left behind and uit has been a lifelong desire to improve their lives. As a nation , we should  all put our heads together , move forward and sustain the peaceful conditions and security of purpose that we have enjoyed over the years. Peace is a rare commodity which should be guarded jealously by all. I cannot over emphasise the fact that culture remains our true identity as a nation and it is through such identity as a nation, and it is through such identity that we are a model of what Africa originally was. At the same time, we embody the dynamism of the true African identity as we adapt to the various changes of our time. This is our country, the one and only that we have.” Wise words by Her Majesty Indlovukazi (quote from 40^th National Double Celebrations Magazine).

ON THE FOOTSTEPS OF QUEEN REGENT LABOTSIBENI ON THE CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS DEVELOPMENT

Indlovukazi Labotsibeni , popularly known as Gwamile, made significant contributions towards the country’s development and the liberation of the Republic of South Africa. She was very courageous.

When whites began to arrive in large numbers in the Kingdom of Swaziland she had a son and named him Bhunu, like his father King Mbandzeni , he was illiterate. It was suggested to her that she allows her son, Bhunu , to go to school so he could communicate with the Boers with assistance of an interpreter. She flatly refused ; saying there was no need for her son to learn the White man’s culture lest he should discard his own and adopt a foreign one.

The loss of Swazi nation land through the notorious land concessions taught her a lesson that the pen was mightier than the sword and that dependence on interpreters was not necessary. She thus ordered her grandson Mona (His Majesty King Sobhuza II) should and did go to school.

To that established Zombodze Primary School for the education of not only members of the Royal household and Chiefs but commoners as well. Matsapha High School was established in 1932 after her death in 1925.

Indlovukazi Labotsibeni also laid the foundation of adult education at Zombodze Royal Residence where a certain white lady Mrs. Bretchtenbach organised Swazi women and taught them weaving skills.

 On the economic from she established the Lifa Funds whose purpose was to buy back land that had been “grabbed” by the White settlers through intrigues of imperialism.

With respect to international relations she aligned Swaziland with South African National Native Congress (SANCC), now the African National Congress (ANC).

THE MOTHER OF OUR NATION

Apart from being the pillar of strength on our leader His Majesty King Mswati III, Her Majesty Indlovukazi has ensured a successful crusade to assist the under privileged members of the Swazi society. Despite all the challenges which one encounter’s when on the throne Indlovukazi has stood firmly on her feet and has never forgot to acknowledge the importance of teamwork, respect and humbling oneself.

Her Majesty the Indlovukazi is part of nucleus of the Swazi Nation and its culture . By virtue of  being the mother of the nation , she is seen as the central figure in the cradle of culture and traditions and the core fibre of sacred rituals of the Swazi people. This among, other things means there would be no King without the Indlovukazi and the Monarchy as an institution would be incomplete without her. In the present case , the incumbent Indlovukazi is the biological mother of His Majesty King Mswati III. A King becomes King after the identification of his mother as the qualifying Inkhosikati of the departed King to become the Queen Mother and may be the regent until her son comes of age to be anointed as King of the Swazi Nation.

Her official residence is presently Ludzidzini Royal Residence, which by normal standards would be referred to , as the King’s parental home. It is at the Royal Residence that all national events and meetings are held. The Indlovukazi is an instrumental figure in the preservation of culture, particularly for women.

She is always at the forefront in the drive to enhance culture and also never misses a chance to instil it to young children that culture is the future and identity of the Swazi nation. His Majesty the Ingwenyama also does that. The two compliment each other in holding the country together as the unifying figures of the nation looking upon them as the God anointed guides of national direction.

It is through massive national consultations that the King and Indlovukazi get to know the pulse of the nation pertaining national decision that may have to be taken. Swaziland is blessed with a leadership that holds strongly to Christian values.

SUCCESSION

It is important to understand that not everyone qualifies to be in the senior most royal grouping of Princes (Ligunqa Lebantfwabenkhosi) that may choose the next Indlovukazi, who would in turn be the mother of the Crown Prince . Senior Princes and Princesss from senior Royal households , including the governor , qualify to undertake this important , heavy task. They are expected to do so without fear or favour and no room for compromise may be entertained at the expense of the nation’s future and stability.

It must be explained that a Swazi king should not have a biological brother. He should be the only of the chosen Inkhosikati , who would in turn be the Indlovukazi.

FARMING

Despite the security and protocol present at the Royal Residence Indlovukazi is determined to set a good example on the Swazi Nation and displayed a spirit of self reliance and hard work. Her Majesty is actively engaged in farming within the corridors of the Royal Residence. The queen through her farming projects she sets great example that through minimal or organic farm inputs one can succeed in farming thus providing food for their families.

The queen’s special relationship with the soil has promoted the spirit that no one is forced to join her in the fields and whoever comes around to assist does so at their own volition.

Indlovukation produces healthy traditional food which includes groundnuts , beans , cassava , sweet potatoes, maize and tinhlumaya. The Queen juggles her time also on the raising of indigenous chickens, rabbits, goats and cattle.

DIPLOMACY

In recent years Her Majesty Indlovukazi has forged relations with other women leaders around the world. The Smart –Partnership Global Initiative bestowed upon her a gold medal in appreciation of her role in the country’s social development.

Indlovukazi has always emphasised the need for Swaziland to forge amd maintain strong ties with other nations. She has always spoken about peace and global harmony.

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT PATRON

Her Majesty Indlovukazi is patron head of all women in the country and the main regiment is known as Lutsango Lwaka Ngwane. Indlovukazi has fought hard to push the agenda of empowering women and achieving the goals of Lutsango.

The Indlovukazi has fought hard to push the agenda of empowering women and achieving Lutsango’s goals. It is through Lutsango that Indlovukazi has reached out to empower rural women in the Kingdom. She has time and again reminded the nation that the cornerstone of rural development and economic empowerment was through Lutsango.

PHILANI MASWATI CHARITY ORGANISATION

The organisation was formed by the Indlovukazi to address the sad plight of the poor and the elderly scattered around many of the rural Swaziland. Seeing that the elderly faced some serious problems , the Indlovukazi set out to mobilise resources from businesses , the public sector, the NGO community and other entities to address this challenge.

The organisation caters for the holistic needs of the vulnerable elderly and children, such as the provision of food , medical assistance , clothes , school uniforms and burial facilities for those who may lose their lives or those of loved ones.

The organisation is indeed credited with having revived hope in the lives of our senior citizens and other vulnerable sections of the Swazi society.

In 2015 Philani Maswati launched a record breaking attempt to be featured in the Guinness World Records by organising a Charity braai event which would have seen a total of 3 000 people braaing simultaneously for 30minutes. Following the event’s success at launch the organisation declared the event as a national event which shall be staged on July 22 annually.

KHULISA UMNTFWANA (RAISING THE SWAZI CHILD)

Indlovukazi’s vision of a healthy Swazi nation cannot only be limited to charitable input but it is her determination that would see the Swazi nation having vibrant young men and women, guided by strong moral values grounded in life saving cultural traditions.

Khulisa umntfwana aims at supporting children and parents in the reinstatement, instilling and strengthening of a positive cultural and moral ethics and values in their child rearing practices, role modelling and full commitment to their responsibilities of parenting.

Indlovukazi during her national coutersy visits and charity work has expressed concern on the increasing reports of a section of the country’s youth bad behaviour which amongst them include early sexual relations, teenage pregnancy, exposure to STIs and HIV/AIDS and drug abuse.

It was then that Her Majesty launched the organisation in 1998 and during the launch that Her Majesty expressed her deep concern on the issue of HIV/AIDS.

SWAZILAND TRADING HOUSE

This entity was established to facilitate reliable markets for rural folk products. Her Majesty Indlovukazi emphasised the need to help them find good markets for their wares. This came about after she raised concern about some unscrupulous individuals who had take advantage of plight of the rural folk to short change them.

Cultural industries like handcraft have been identified among the key industries with export potential mainly benefiting rural women and the youth. However, this has been undermined by serious challenges in lack of appreciation of the potential of their craft to change their economic status and livelihoods.

Swaziland Trading House purchases the products in bulk at competitive prices and finds international markets. The quality is not compromised and should meet international standards.

SWAZI SECRETS

Her Majesty propelled by a desire to empower rural women, promoted the commercialisation of the Marula fruit. It all started as a dream to assist poor rural women generate an income from the natural products that grow around them.

With poverty being a major challenge in the rural areas, she saw the need to use what was readily available to generate income for the people. Swazi Secrets uses the Marula fruit to produce world-class beauty and health products that are sold all over the world.

GREENHEAT PRODUCTS

The products introduction was jointly officiated in the country by His Majesty King Mswati III and Her Majesty the Indlovukazi. The products are environmentally friendly and use an expert approved gel to make a fire. The gel is identified as an alternative energy source which is used on a specially manufactured stove of good quality.

OUR PRESENT AND PAST MOTHERS

-       Ntombi Tfwala

-       Dzeliwe Shongwe

-       Seneneleni Ndwandwe

-       Zihlati Ndwandwe

-       Nukwase  Ndwandwe

-       Lomawa Ndwandwe

-       Labotsibeni Mdluli

-       Tibati Nkambule

-       Sisile Khumalo

-       Tsandzile Ndwandwe

-       Lojiba Simelane

-       Lokubheka Mdzebele

-       Layaka Ndwandwe

* Taken from:

- 40/40 Double Celebration Magazine

- Times of Swaziland (1968)