Sobhuza I (1889–1982)

Swazi king and the world's longest serving monarch at the time of his death. He was one of the few traditional rulers to have retained political power in post-colonial Africa. His main achievements lay in bringing Swaziland to independence in 1968, in regaining land ceded to Europeans, and in creating a flourishing economy. Despite his autocratic rule he was a popular and respected leader.

Sobhuza was proclaimed king of the Swazi nation upon the death of his father King Bhunu soon after his birth. His grandmother Gwamile acted as regent until his coronation in 1921. He was also known as Ngwnyama (the Lion).