The Hindu : International : Swaziland King marries 11th wife

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Tuesday, May 31, 2005

International

International

Swaziland King marries 11th wife

King Mswati III of Swaziland at a ceremony in Mbabane, Swaziland, in this April 2005 file photo

MBABANE (SWAZILAND): Swaziland's King Mswati III has taken another young bride, his 11th wife since he ascended to the throne in 1986. Noliqwa Ntentesa, the 21-year-old daughter of a commerce lecturer at the University of Swaziland, was selected in 2002 by the King during the ceremonial annual reed dance — where the King traditionally picks his wives. She already is expecting their first child, which would add to the 24 children so far fathered by the 36-year-old monarch. Ms. Ntentesa, who was forced to drop out of high school when she was selected by the King at the age of 18, was smeared with traditional red ochre and married in a secret wedding service held last week at the Queen Mother's royal residence, the Ludzidzini. King Mswati has set his sights on two more 17-year-olds, Nothando Dube and Xolile Titi Magagula, who quit school to prepare for the marriage and their royal duties. King Mswati, Africa's last absolute monarch, is frequently criticised for the lack of democracy and his lavish lifestyle. — AP

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