The Unbelievable Truth About King Mswati of Eswatini and His 16 Wives

King Mswati III of Eswatini, one of the last remaining absolute monarchs in the world, has long been a figure of fascination and controversy.

His reign has been marked by both opulence and political tension, with his personal life often sparking intense discussions and debates.

One of the most striking aspects of Mswati’s rule is his polygamous marriage system, which sees him married to 16 wives.

This lifestyle is not only a significant aspect of Eswatini’s royal traditions but has also garnered international attention due to its extravagance and the questions it raises about power, gender, and governance in the modern era.

Who is King Mswati III?

King Mswati III was born on April 19, 1968, as the son of King Sobhuza II, who ruled Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) for more than 60 years until his death in 1982.

Mswati ascended to the throne in 1986 at the age of 18, following the death of his father. As an absolute monarch, he holds unparalleled power over the government, the economy, and the people of Eswatini, a small landlocked country in Southern Africa.

Eswatini, with a population of approximately 1.2 million people, is one of the few remaining countries in the world where the monarch wields significant political authority.

While other African nations have embraced democratic governance, Eswatini continues to maintain a political system in which the king is not only the head of state but also holds executive, legislative, and judicial powers.

Despite his immense wealth and power, King Mswati’s leadership has been the subject of scrutiny, especially concerning his lavish lifestyle and the country’s political climate.

While the king enjoys a life of luxury, many of his subjects face economic hardship, and Eswatini ranks among the poorest nations in the world.

These stark contrasts between the monarch’s wealth and the nation’s poverty have fueled widespread criticism of his rule.

The Controversial Polygamy Tradition

Perhaps the most shocking and discussed aspect of King Mswati’s reign is his polygamous marriage system. The king is known to have 16 wives, a practice that is rooted in Eswatini’s royal traditions.

Polygamy, particularly in royal circles, has a deep cultural and historical significance. It is seen as a symbol of power and wealth, with each wife representing a different facet of the king’s authority and status.

In Eswatini, polygamy is legally accepted and practiced, particularly among the wealthy elite.

The king’s marriages are often seen as part of his royal duties, as each wife plays a role in strengthening his political and social influence.

The selection of a wife often happens through traditional ceremonies, including the famous Reed Dance, where young women from across the country present themselves before the king, who can choose among them.

The practice of polygamy is often framed as an essential part of Eswatini’s cultural identity.

However, for King Mswati III, it has become one of the most controversial aspects of his rule, drawing significant attention both domestically and internationally.

Critics argue that the king’s vast number of wives and the immense wealth spent on them symbolize a disregard for the needs of the population.

This perception is amplified by the widespread poverty faced by many Eswatini citizens, many of whom live in dire economic conditions.

The Cost of Mswati’s Polygamous Lifestyle

The financial burden of supporting 16 wives and their numerous children is astronomical. King Mswati’s lavish lifestyle is sustained by the state, which is funded by the taxes and resources of the people of Eswatini.

The king’s wives are given luxurious residences, expensive clothing, and access to the finest resources, all funded by the national budget.

In stark contrast, many citizens of Eswatini live in poverty. The country struggles with high rates of unemployment, widespread disease (notably, Eswatini has one of the highest HIV/AIDS infection rates in the world), and limited access to education and healthcare. While King Mswati and his family live in opulence, many of his people are struggling to meet basic needs.

Moreover, King Mswati’s government has faced accusations of authoritarianism and corruption.

Critics argue that the wealth amassed by the monarchy is often at the expense of the public, with little being done to address the economic disparities that exist within the country.

While King Mswati continues to enjoy a luxurious life, the majority of the population does not experience the same standard of living.

The Selection of Wives and the Reed Dance

King Mswati’s marriages are steeped in tradition, with the process of choosing a wife being rooted in ceremonial customs.

One of the most famous events in this process is the annual Reed Dance, also known as the Umhlanga. During this festival, young unmarried women from across

Eswatini gather to dance for the king, and he is allowed to choose a wife from among them.

The Reed Dance, which takes place in late August or early September, is an important cultural event in Eswatini, and it also serves as a means for the king to select new wives.

While the practice has cultural significance, it has been widely criticized for perpetuating a patriarchal system in which women are seen primarily as objects of desire or political tools.

Many critics, including human rights groups, argue that the Reed Dance perpetuates the subjugation of women.

These critics suggest that the women are not given the same freedom of choice as the king, who holds ultimate authority in determining who will become his wife.

The lack of personal agency for the women involved is one of the key points of contention in discussions surrounding Mswati’s polygamy.

The King’s Wealth and Extravagance

King Mswati III is often seen as a symbol of extravagance. In addition to his 16 wives, the king has a lavish lifestyle that includes numerous palaces, private jets, and a fleet of luxury cars.

His wealth is drawn from the national budget, which is a point of contention for many Eswatini citizens, especially when considering the country’s poverty levels.

One of the most famous incidents that highlighted Mswati’s wealth occurred in 2009, when he was criticized for spending millions of dollars on a new private jet while the country faced a severe financial crisis.

At the same time, Eswatini was experiencing a shortfall in government funding for critical services such as healthcare and education, sparking outrage over the monarchy’s priorities.

Furthermore, King Mswati’s lavish lifestyle is often seen as a symbol of the entrenched inequality in Eswatini.

While the king and his family live in palaces, many Eswatini citizens struggle to access clean water, food, and basic healthcare.

This stark contrast between the monarch’s wealth and the poverty of his subjects has led to growing discontent and calls for political reform.

The Political and Social Implications of Polygamy

King Mswati’s polygamous practices have significant social and political implications for Eswatini. On the one hand, they reinforce traditional views on power and gender roles within the kingdom.

The king’s multiple marriages are seen as a reflection of his authority, with each wife playing a role in the social and political fabric of Eswatini.

On the other hand, these practices have sparked debate over gender equality, human rights, and the role of women in modern society.

Critics argue that the king’s system of polygamy perpetuates a patriarchal system in which women are marginalized and deprived of agency.

The king’s choice of wives, often based on traditional customs, has been criticized for not empowering women to make decisions for themselves.

The Legacy of King Mswati III

King Mswati III’s reign is marked by a complex mix of cultural tradition, political power, and social inequality.

His polygamy, while deeply rooted in Eswatini’s traditions, has also become a point of contention in the global conversation about gender equality, human rights, and political reform.

As one of the last absolute monarchs in the world, King Mswati’s continued leadership and lavish lifestyle highlight the challenges facing Eswatini in a rapidly changing world.

His 16 wives are but one symbol of his power, and their existence under his rule underscores the ongoing tensions between tradition and modernity in this small Southern African kingdom.

For Eswatini to move forward, questions about the monarchy’s role, the economic disparity, and the empowerment of women must be addressed.

Until then, King Mswati III’s 16 wives will remain a striking symbol of a bygone era, both admired and criticized in equal measure.