Ntombi of Swaziland

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Ntombi, Indovukazi of Swaziland (born ca. 1950), has been the Indovukazi (Great She-Elephant) and Joint Head of State of Swaziland since 1986. She was also Regent of Swaziland 1983-1986. She was born Ntombi laTfwala. She is the mother of Mswati III.

After the death of Sobhuza II (Ntombi's husband) in 1982, his widow Queen Dzeliwe assumed the regency, since it is the custom for one of the Queens to assume regency before a new King is selected. However, Queen Dzeliwe was placed under house arrest in 1983. Then, after a 9-day period ruled by Prince Sozisa Dlamini, Ntombi was selected as queen regent. A month later, her son Mswati III was selected as Crown Prince. In 1986, when he turned 18, he was crowned King. When he was made King, as was the custom, he made his mother the Indovukazi (a title roughly corresponding to Queen Mother, lit. Great She-Elephant) and Joint Head of State. As Queen Mother, Queen Ntombi is seen as the spiritual and national head of state, while her son is considered the Administrative Head of State.