Eswatini: Africa's Last Monarchy and Its Surprising Jewish Heritage

Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is Africa's last absolute monarchy, nestled between South Africa and Mozambique. Despite its small size, comparable to about 73% of Israel's area, the nation boasts dramatic landscapes, from the highveld mountains to subtropical savannas, and a rich history shaped by anti-colonial struggles and unique ties to Jewish heritage.

The country's topography influences its culture, with the Swazi people tracing their origins to Bantu migrations. The monarchy, led by King Mswati III since 1986, maintains absolute executive, legislative, and judicial power, though it faces international criticism for restricting political parties and media freedom. Economically, Eswatini is closely linked to South Africa, with its currency pegged to the rand and its economy reliant on sugar cane, forestry, and industry.

Eswatini is also emerging as a popular tourist destination, dubbed the "Switzerland of Africa" for its scenery. In the first half of 2026, it welcomed over 562,000 visitors, an 8% increase, primarily from regional tourists. The country aims to attract 2 million tourists annually by 2027, offering attractions like the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, the Hlane Royal National Park, and cultural experiences such as the MTN Bushfire festival.

Remarkably, Eswatini harbors a significant, though small, Jewish community of about 30 permanent residents, whose historical impact on the nation's legal, educational, and royal systems is substantial. This community's roots trace back to Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution in the late 1930s and World War II, who found refuge in Eswatini after being denied entry to South Africa. Early Jewish immigrants played a key role in the country's commercial and urban development.

Notable figures from the Jewish community include the late Judge Stanley Spiro, former President of the Court of Appeal, and Geoff Ramokgadi, founder of the Kobe Ramokgadi Advanced Learning Academy. Jewish philanthropy continues through the Kirsch Foundation, supporting education and entrepreneurship, and a library named after Rabbi Moshe Zilberhaft. The most extraordinary connection is that of Prince Nathan Gamzeda, grandson of a former king, who converted to Judaism, became an ordained rabbi, and now lectures in Safed, Israel.

Eswatini and Israel have maintained official diplomatic relations since 1968, collaborating in agriculture, water management, and technology. Eswatini remains one of the few Southern African nations with consistently warm ties to Israel, expanding security, technological, and economic cooperation, diverging from the more strained relations of neighboring South Africa.