King Mbandzeni (1855 - 1889)
King Mbandzeni, also known as Dlamini IV, was the son of Mswati II and Queen Gcinile Fakudze. His reign was defined by the controversial granting of numerous concessions to European settlers.
Political Contributions
King Mbandzeni’s rule saw the rise of the Liqoqo, a council of chiefs that advised the king. Under pressure from Boers and British settlers, he granted numerous land and mineral concessions, which ultimately led to the loss of Swazi sovereignty. To manage this, he appointed Theophilus Shepstone Jr. as his resident advisor.
Economic Contributions
King Mbandzeni’s reign is defined by the "concession mania." He sold or leased vast tracts of land, mineral rights, and grazing rights. While these agreements provided some revenue, they caused widespread economic instability and led to a loss of control over the country's resources. The discovery of gold also increased the demand for concessions.
Political Contributions
King Mbandzeni’s rule saw the rise of the Liqoqo, a council of chiefs that advised the king. Under pressure from Boers and British settlers, he granted numerous land and mineral concessions, which ultimately led to the loss of Swazi sovereignty. To manage this, he appointed Theophilus Shepstone Jr. as his resident advisor.
Economic Contributions
King Mbandzeni’s reign is defined by the "concession mania." He sold or leased vast tracts of land, mineral rights, and grazing rights. While these agreements provided some revenue, they caused widespread economic instability and led to a loss of control over the country's resources. The discovery of gold also increased the demand for concessions.
