Page "Politics of Swaziland" Paragraph 5

Succession is chosen in relation to the status of the potential king's mother.

Ndlovukazi is chosen by the Royal Council after the King's death, she will be from an unrelated family.

Within the aristocracy, the first wife is never the main wife — a second wife who has a higher pedigree will take precedence.

The Royal family line, the Dlamini's, never intermarry ; the King is always a Dlamini, the Queen Mother is never a Dlamini.

The king is not followed by blood brothers.

He is " Nkosi Dlamini " and is expected to unify his position by choosing wives from all sectors of the community.

The balance of power lies between the King and the Queen Mother.

The Royal Council plays a key role in the selection of the successor to the throne.

Much of this tradition remains secret ( or undetermined ) — but it is rumoured that the new king must be single, and is usually a minor.

His wives are important.