Lobamba is a town in Eswatini located in between Eswatini's two main cities, Mbabane and Manzini.

It is located in the Hhohho region, with Mbabane as the nearest city and Lusushwana river as the nearest river. It is located between Ezulwini and Mahlanya and is opposite Elangeni.

This town holds cultural significance in Eswatini as it features places of great significance. It serves as a legislative, traditional, spiritual, seat of government of the Parliament of Eswatini, and Ludzidzini Royal Village, the residence of Queen Ntfombi, the Queen Mother.

It is about ten kilometres from King Mswati III 's palace, the Lozitha Palace. It also houses Somhlolo National Stadium.

Overview

Lobamba is located in the western part of the country Across the country, 84.3% of its people are Swazi and 9.9% are Zulu. The remainder are Tsonga (2.5%), Indian (1.6%) and others (1.7%). Its official languages are Swazi and English.

In 1903, following the Boer Wars, the British government took control of Eswatini, and it was then ruled by a regent. In 1921 King Sobhuza II became leader of Eswatini, which was still under the British government's control. Eswatini became independent of the British government on September 6, 1968, which was announced at a cattle byre in Lobamba by Prince Makhosini. He was the country's first prime minister and the great-grandson of Sobhuza I. With its independence, Eswatini was a member in its own right of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), British Commonwealth, and the United Nations. It was made a constitutional monarchy under Sobhuza II, who lived in the royal residence, or kraal, in Lobamba.

Royal residences

King Mswati III lives at the Lozitha Palace, about from the city. He visits the Royal Kraal, or Ludzidzini Royal Residence, during the Umhlanga dance and Incwala ceremonies. During the British colonial era Lord Selborne, High Commissioner for South Africa signed a proclamation in 1907 for what became the Eswatini Police Force. After Eswatini's independence in 1968, the force was renamed the Royal Swaziland Police Force. Its name was further changed making it a service, rather than a force.

Education

There are four schools in Lobamba, 2 primary schools and two high schools. First, there is Lomba National High School . Also, is Lobamba National Primary School, St Mary's Primary School and St Mary's High School.

Health and welfare

The government provides health facilities to manage endemic disease and malnutrition. Retirement, disability and survivor pensions are available through its welfare system. There are small local airstrips and a railroad that operates between Eswatini and Mozambique. The Matsapha Airport is from Lobamba. The next closest domestic and international airport is Maputo International Airport in Mozambique, which is away.

One of the tour operators in Eswatini is Swazi Trails, which has tours of the Lobamba royal village, nature reserves, game parks, and craft centres. Nabo Bashoa runs minibus tours.

Culture and attractions

Key attractions

  1. Eswatini Parliament
  2. Somhlolo National Stadium
  3. King Sobhuza II Memorial Park
  4. National Museum of Eswatini - Eswatini National Trust Commission
  5. Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
  6. Mandzana - hot springs

National Museum of Eswatini

The National Museum of Eswatini, located in Lobamba next to the Parliament building, was built in 1972 and expanded in 1986 and 1990. The natural history wing includes highveld and lowveld dioramas to illustrate the diverse Eswatini ecosystems and feature rarely seen nocturnal animals. Its nature-centric exhibits integrate environmental and cultural impacts.

King Sobhuza II Memorial Park

A memorial park was established in the memory of King Sobhuza II, who was the leader of the country's independence in 1968. The king's life is told through an exhibit of photographs. Three of the king's vintage cars are in the museum and his mausoleum is within the park.

Malkern Valley

Malkerns Valley is an arts and crafts center located south of Lobamba.

Events

Ceremonies

Lobamba is famous for two ceremonies that are held there: the Reed Dance, in December and January in honour of the King. These ceremonies include dancing, singing, and celebrations with traditional attire.

See also

  • Swaziland National Trust Commission - operates the National Museum of Eswatini

Notes

References

Further reading

  • Dlamini, Welcome (June 27, 2013). "Majahodvwa takes potshot at colleague". Times of Eswatini. Accessed April 7, 2014.
  • O'Cuneen, Pamela (June 1, 2013). "Party time in Lobamba". The Australian. Accessed April 7, 2014.
  • "Geography of Eswatini", swazidirectory.co.sz
  • Lobamba Travel Guide. Virtual Tourist.