Swazi people

The Swazi (Emaswati), Nguni people of Eswatini and Mpumalanga, trace origins to East Africa and settled their kingdom in the 15th century after wandering through Mozambique. Named for Mswati II, king from 1839, and ruled today by the twin monarchs, the Ingwenyama Lion and the Indlovukazi, the nation binds Nguni three-quarters with Sotho, Tsonga, San-descended and old eastern clans, all intermarried freely under the Dlamini royal name from chief Dlamini I. Cattle, maize and the Umhlanga Reed Dance and Incwala kingship rites order the year. British protection fended off Boers without ceding the throne; independence kept the absolute monarchy. Markets, ministries and the reed dance stadium keep the smallest mainland monarchy dancing. Dlamini princes still govern districts under the Lion. Mpumalanga Swazi vote in South African elections. Three-quarters Nguni clans still lead every ceremony. Sotho, Tsonga and San blood runs in the royal line. Mswati's 1839 accession is dated from Sobhuza's death.