The Kingdom of Swaziland: Studies in Political History (Contributions in Comparative Colonial Studies)

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 Dlamini chieftaincy and examines the infuence 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 sixteen 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 neighboring 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. Illustrations......Page 10 Preface......Page 12 Chronology......Page 14 Introduction......Page 18 1. The Ngwane-Swazi......Page 26 2. Expanding and Consolidating......Page 36 3. Boundaries: The Transvaal......Page 46 4. Boundaries: Portuguese Territory......Page 54 5. The Concessions Scramble......Page 64 6. Independence Fades......Page 74 7. Governing by Committee......Page 86 8. Politics in Flux......Page 96 9. The Boer Administration......Page 106 10. Assassination: The King’s Part?......Page 118 11. War in South Africa......Page 128 12. The British Takeover......Page 138 13. Annexation or Protectorate?......Page 148 14. A Test of Wills......Page 158 15. Partition Carried Through......Page 168 16. Regency to Kingship......Page 180 Glossary......Page 190 Notes......Page 192 Archival and Library Sources......Page 210 Recent Books on Swaziland......Page 212 Index......Page 214 1. The Ngwane-swazi -- 2. Expanding And Consolidating -- 3. Boundaries: The Transvaal -- 4. Boundaries: Portuguese Territory -- 5. The Concessions Scramble -- 6. Independence Fades -- 7. Governing By Committee -- 8. Politics In Flux -- 9. The Boer Administration -- 10. Assassination: The King's Part? -- 11. War In South Africa -- 12. The British Takeover -- 13. Annexation Or Protectorate? -- 14. A Test Of Wills -- 15. Partition Carried Through -- 16. Regency To Kingship -- Recent Books On Swaziland. D. Hugh Gillis. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.