The Kingdom of Swaziland: Studies in Political History

(Hardback)

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A scholarly and engaging study, this history of Swaziland, by an author who spent many years in the kingdom, presents a vivid account of the interplay of politics and personalities along the passage to post-colonial independence. From the early stages of Swazi occupation of the present-day kingdom to the accession of Sobhuza II as king in 1921, this book traces problems in consolidating leadership under the Diamini chieftaincy and examines the influence of Boer and British settlers, and of mining and commercial interests, on Swazi culture and governance. It recounts the story of a thriving small nation that sought to maintain traditional customs and institutions in the face of a powerful European presence. Each of the 16 chapters concentrates on an aspect of political history that has influenced the character of the present-day kingdom, and much of the material, especially after 1900, has not been utilized in previous studies. The introduction looks at Swazi experience in a contemporary context, evaluating historic forces that have made for stability in a rapidly changing world. Other sections detail the Swazi reaction to European-controlled neighbouring states (the Transvaal, Natal and Mozambique), the tensions introduced by successive Boer and British policies, the Swazi detachment during two external wars (1899-1902 and 1914-1918), and widespread concerns about colonialism and self-governance following World War I.

Reviews

This is a very useful study of the political history of Swaziland from the mid-eighteenth century down to 1921, the year of accession to the Swazi throne of King Sobhuza II....valuable to anyone interested in regional governance and center-periphery relations.-International Journal of African Historical Studies
"This is a very useful study of the political history of Swaziland from the mid-eighteenth century down to 1921, the year of accession to the Swazi throne of King Sobhuza II....valuable to anyone interested in regional governance and center-periphery relations."-International Journal of African Historical Studies

Author Bio

D. HUGH GILLIS has had a varied career in education, communications, Third World development, and the military./e He served overseas during World War II and the Korean War and has held teaching and administrative posts at universities in Canada, the United States, and southern Africa. He spent several years with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and, during 1976-80, was attached to the government of Swaziland, organizing rural education projects.