Several centuries ago an African people of Nguni descent moved southwards from Central
Africa and a group of them eventually settled, during the mid eighteenth century, in the
area which is now Swaziland. The kings of Swaziland date back to some considerable time to
when the Royal line of Dlamini lived in the vicinity of Delgoa Bay. The Nguni people are
recorded as having entered the territoty of Swaziland around the year 1600. Under the
leadership fo Dlamini III, settlement took place in 1750, along the Pongola River where it
cuts through the Lubombo mountains.
The land they entered was neither vacant nor sparsely populated, it was teeming with
game, rich in natural resources, a haven for crop raising cattle rearing. Trade had been
transacted from the coast for many years, a powerful state of Shiselweni existed which the
leaders of the Swazis sought to absorb or overcome.
The Kingdom of Swaziland today is composed of an homogeneous population who share language, culture and loyalty to their King and country. There are no tribal conflicts, the country is stable, ordlerly and at peace with her neighbors. Perhaps Swaziland's greatest asset is her people, who are always happy, friendly, courteous and willing to assist visitors to their Kingdom. Old Swazi traditions are carefully guarded and for this reason, colourful ceremonies frequently take place to mark specific occasions and the distinctive national dress is regularly worn by men, women, and children in urban as well as rural areas. The major ceremonies are the colourful umhlanga , and the incwala. The latter ceremony. much of which involves sacred and secret ceremonies, entails direct participation by the King. The continuity of the monarchy contributes to the country's stability and peaceful climate while ensuring that the cultural heritage is safeguarded as Swazialnd develops.
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