Prince Mfanasibili of Swaziland

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Prince Mfanasibili of Swaziland is the son of Prince Makhosikhosi who was brother to King Sobhuza II. He was once a cabinet minister during the reign of Sobhuza II and is famous for the Liqoqo era during 1983-1986, hence he was nick-named “Liqoqo strongman”. He and the Liqoqo council were tasked to make sure that the Queen Mother Indlovukazi Ntombi la Tfwala and Crown Prince Makhosetive were installed on the throne. They also removed Queen Dzeliwe Shongwe as Queen Regent after she was placed under house arrest for high treason.^[1]

After Prince Makhosetive was installed as king in 1986 at the age of 18, Prince Mfanasibili and others were arrested for high treason for having removed Queen regent Dzeliwe. They were not provided lawyers nor were they given a chance to defend themselves in court. Supporters say it is not quite clear on what good grounds Prince Mfanasibili was arrested for because as head of Liqoqo council in the 80s, he did what his position called for and took action at the right time when a coup was attempted.^{[citation needed]} In the early 2000s he revealed to the entire Swazi nation his side of the story on national television. He is currently living with his wife and children in Manzini Swaziland, where he serves in the city council, and still discharges his duties on behalf of the royal family. He is also still very active in Swazi politics. His articles are featured weekly in the Sunday Times newspaper.