July 22 1899

King Sobhuza II of Swaziland is born in Zombodze. He ascends to the throne at four months old after the death of his father, Ngwane V, on December 10 1899. His grandmother, Labotsibeni, serves as regent while he is educated at Swazi National School, Zombodze, and Lovedale Missionary Institution in Victoria East, Eastern Cape. He assumes the Swazi throne as paramount chief on December 22 1921 and is recognised by Britain as king in 1967 when Swaziland is given direct rule. Independence follows on September 6 1968. He has 70 wives and 210 children and reigns until his death on August 21 1982