Lobamba

Royal and legislative capital of Swaziland, in the Ezulwini valley, about 15 km/9 mi south of Mbabane, the administrative capital; population (2001 est) 14,000. Lobamba is situated in the prosperous agricultural Middle Veld area of the densely populated rural Ezulwini valley. Maize, cotton, and tobacco are cultivated and dairy and beef cattle are reared. There is very little industry in Lobamba, except for some tourism.

The site of Lobamba has long been associated with the Swazi royal family, and an earlier royal village here was Nkanini. Lobamba is the official seat of King Mswati III and his mother, known as the Ndlovukazi or ‘She Elephant’.

In addition to the parliament, law courts, and national council, the national stadium, archives, and museum are all found in Lobamba, although it is only the size of a small town. There is also a memorial to King Sobhuza II (d. 1987), the most revered of the Swazi kings and the father of 600 children. The Mlilwane game sanctuary and the Gilbert Reynoldswell Memorial Garden lie about 10 km/6 mi to the northwest. Annual national celebrations at Lobamba include the Umhlanga, or Reed Dance, and the Incwala, or National Ceremony.