Queen Ntombi Tfwala

Queen Mother Ntfombi, the mother of King Mswati III, serves as the Indlovukazi, or Queen Mother, of Eswatini, embodying the nation's spiritual and national leadership.

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QUEEN MOTHER NTFOMBI

Queen Mother Ntfombi, KBE, born Ntfombi Tfwala on December 27, 1949, has been a central figure in the history of Eswatini since the mid-1980s. Her role as the Queen Mother began in 1986, but her influence extends back to a turbulent period in Eswatini's monarchy. Ntfombi married King Sobhuza II, one of the most influential monarchs in Eswatini's history. Together, they had a son, Prince Makhosetive Dlamini, who would later ascend to the throne as King Mswati III.

In 1982, King Sobhuza II made a critical decision by designating another of his wives, Queen Dzeliwe, as the Ndlovukati, or Queen Mother, to reign alongside his future successor. However, rather than naming one of her sons as the heir apparent, he expressed his desire for Prince Makhosetive Dlamini to succeed him. To ensure this succession, King Sobhuza II expanded the powers of the Loqoqo, a Supreme Council of State, granting it the authority to act if a regent was unable to perform their duties.

Following King Sobhuza II's death, a power vacuum emerged, and Queen Dzeliwe assumed the role of Queen Regent during Prince Makhosetive's minority. However, the Loqoqo, comprised mostly of the late king's senior relatives and advisors, began to challenge her authority. This tension culminated in Queen Dzeliwe being placed under house arrest in 1983. After a brief period of uncertainty, Ntfombi was chosen as the new Queen Regent, a role she fulfilled until her son reached the age of majority.

In 1986, when Prince Makhosetive turned 18, he was crowned King Mswati III. Following tradition, he declared his mother, Ntfombi, as the Indlovukazi, a title that translates to "Great She-Elephant," signifying her role as the Queen Mother and joint head of state. As Indlovukazi, Ntfombi holds the position of spiritual and national head of state, while her son serves as the administrative leader.

Queen Mother Ntfombi's influence has extended beyond Eswatini's borders. During her regency, she was featured in Andy Warhol's "Reigning Queens" portrait series, alongside other prominent queens such as Beatrix of the Netherlands, Margrethe II of Denmark, and Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. This portrayal introduced her image to a global audience, symbolizing her status as a powerful and revered figure in both her country and the world. Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ntfombi_of_Eswatini

GOVERNING TIME LINE

Queen Mother Ntfombi, KBE, served as the Regent of Eswatini from 1983 to 1986. She assumed the role under challenging circumstances following the death of her husband, King Sobhuza II. After the deposition of Queen Dzeliwe, who had initially been appointed as the regent, Ntfombi was selected to lead the kingdom during the minority of her son, Prince Makhosetive Dlamini. Her regency was marked by the stabilization of the monarchy during a period of political turmoil. In 1986, upon her son's coronation as King Mswati III, Ntfombi transitioned from her role as regent and was declared Indlovukazi, or Queen Mother, continuing her influence as the spiritual and national head of state.