Eswatini, a small landlocked kingdom in Southern Africa formerly known as Swaziland, often draws global attention not for its economy or politics, but for the controversial reign of its monarch, King Mswati III. With absolute power, extravagant wealth, and a lifestyle that starkly contrasts with the poverty of his citizens, King Mswati III has long been a figure of international criticism. But one scandal shook the monarchy like no other—a betrayal from within, involving his twelfth wife and his closest friend.

A Kingdom Where One Man Holds All Power

Eswatini gained independence from British colonial rule in 1968. Soon after, King Sobhuza II, father of Mswati III, declared himself an absolute monarch. His reign was marked by traditional values, strict control, and an ever-growing royal family—70 wives, 210 children, and over 1,000 grandchildren.

When Sobhuza II died in 1986, his then 18-year-old son, Prince Makhosetive, was crowned King Mswati III. He continued his father’s legacy of authoritarian rule but added his own brand of extravagance and controversy. With 15 official wives, over 23 children, and an ever-growing unofficial harem, Mswati’s personal life has become a public spectacle.

The Rise of Notando: From Beauty Queen to Royal Wife

Among his wives, Notando Dube, also known as Inkhosikati LaDube, stood out. Crowned Miss Teen Eswatini in 2004 at just 16, she caught the attention of the then 36-year-old king. Within a year, she accepted his marriage proposal after her family received a royal dowry—12 cows.

For a family living in extreme poverty, this royal alliance was seen as a blessing. But the reality of life within the palace was far from the fairytale the public imagined.

A Law of Purity—and the King’s Hypocrisy

In a bizarre and controversial attempt to combat AIDS, King Mswati III implemented a law in 2001 forbidding all sexual relations with virgins under 18 for five years. Girls were even required to wear colored tassels on their skirts to show they were untouched.

But just four years later, news broke that the king had married Notando, who was still a minor and a virgin. This blatant violation of his own decree sparked nationwide outrage. In a bold act of protest, young women tore off their tassels and threw them at the gates of the royal palace.

To save face, the king revoked the law and paid a symbolic fine—one cow. However, the damage to his credibility was already done.

The Lavish Life vs. National Poverty

While King Mswati lived in luxurious palaces and flew around the world on private jets, most of Eswatini’s citizens survived on less than $1 per day. The king profited by selling land concessions to foreign investors at cheap prices while continuing to increase taxes and fees on his own people.

Two of his wives even fled the palace and exposed the abusive conditions within. Reports described physical beatings, emotional neglect, and in the case of the ninth wife, Lamagongo, denial of basic rights—including being barred from attending her own sister’s funeral. She later died by suicide.

The Forbidden Affair That Sparked Royal Fury

But the biggest scandal of all involved Notando, once the king’s favorite. After years of neglect, she began a secret affair with Ndumiso Mamba, the Minister of Justice and one of the king’s childhood friends. The two met in secret at the Royal Villas, a luxury hotel owned by the king himself. Notando even disguised herself in a military uniform to avoid detection.

But the king’s network of informants was vast. Soon, the affair was discovered. In a shocking act of revenge, Mamba was arrested and accused of trespassing on royal property—a legal technicality, since the hotel was owned by the king.

There was no trial. Instead, Mamba was brutally beaten by palace guards, his teeth knocked out before being paraded in a sham court and sentenced to death. Only intense pressure from the UK and European Union prevented the execution. Mamba was stripped of all wealth and titles and left homeless and destitute.

A Queen’s Quiet Fall—and Mysterious Death

As for Notando, her punishment came in stages. Initially, King Mswati III appeared forgiving and allowed her to remain in the palace. But over time, his attitude grew cold. She was moved out of the wives’ quarters and placed with palace guards—a symbolic demotion from queen to prisoner.

In March 2019, at just 31 years old, Notando was found dead in a South African clinic. The official cause was listed as skin cancer, but no prior medical history or evidence of treatment ever surfaced. Many believe her death was not natural, especially considering the king’s history with those who crossed him.

What Happened to Her Children?

Notando had three children with King Mswati III—one son and two daughters. Despite her fall from favor, the children were recognized as official royal heirs. Her son, Prince Betive, could theoretically one day ascend the throne. However, in a monarchy where power isn’t necessarily passed by merit, his chances remain uncertain.

The Future of Eswatini’s Monarchy

King Mswati III’s reign continues, but not without scrutiny. His abuse of power, lavish spending, and disregard for human rights have left many questioning the future of Eswatini’s monarchy. Will the next king follow in Mswati’s footsteps? Or will Eswatini finally move toward a more democratic and just system of governance?

Only time will tell. For now, the story of Notando Dube remains a tragic reminder of what happens when absolute power goes unchecked.