Eswatini: Africa's Last Monarchy Holds Surprising Jewish Ties

Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is Africa's last absolute monarchy, nestled between South Africa and Mozambique. Despite its small size, comparable to Israel, the nation boasts dramatic landscapes, from the mountainous Highveld to subtropical savanna lowlands, supporting a significant tourism industry.

The country's history is marked by Bantu migrations, resistance to colonial powers, and a unique connection to Jewish heritage. The Dlamini royal family has ruled since the 15th century, navigating colonial pressures to maintain its monarchy, eventually gaining full independence from Britain in 1968. In 2018, King Mswati III restored the name Eswatini, but the monarchy remains absolute, with the king holding executive, legislative, and judicial power, despite international criticism regarding political freedoms.

Economically, Eswatini is closely linked to South Africa, with its currency pegged to the rand. The economy relies on sugar cane, forestry, and industry, while facing public health challenges like HIV. Tourism is a growing sector, with over 562,000 visitors in the first half of 2026, aiming for 2 million annually by 2027, attracted by wildlife reserves like Mlilwane and Hlane Royal National Park, cultural experiences, and festivals like MTN Bushfire.

Remarkably, Eswatini has a deep, albeit small, historical connection to Jewish people. A community of around 30 permanent Jewish residents, primarily in Mbabane, has left a significant mark on the country's legal, educational, and royal systems. This connection began in the late 1930s and during World War II when Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution found asylum there after being denied entry to South Africa. Despite initial hardships, the community stabilized with support from South African Jewish organizations, contributing to the nation's early commercial and urban development.

Notable figures include jurist Stanley Sapir, former President of the Court of Appeal, and Geoff Ramokgadi, founder of Kobe High School. The community maintains its identity through family gatherings and two historic Jewish cemeteries, supported by the African Jewish Congress. Jewish philanthropy, through the Kirsch Foundation and a library named after Rabbi Moshe Zilberhaft, continues to support education and youth initiatives.

Perhaps the most extraordinary link is Prince Nathan Gamzeda, grandson of a former king and son of a former minister and ambassador. A gifted linguist fluent in 13 languages, including Hebrew, he converted to Judaism in 1991, became an ordained rabbi, and now lectures in Safed, Israel. Eswatini and Israel have maintained official diplomatic relations since 1968, with ongoing cooperation in agriculture, water management, and technology, positioning Eswatini as a consistent friend to Israel in a region with often complex diplomatic stances.