Labotsibeni Mdluli

Labotsibeni Mdluli began the journey for the Kingdom of Eswatini's (formerly Swaziland) independence when she became Ndlovukazi, or queen mother, in 1890. For thirty-two years, she fiercely fought for the rights of the Swati. Labotsibeni stood up against colonial oppression, restored dignity to the kingdom's monarchy, and established a western-style education system in her country. Some historians write that the Kingdom of Eswatini exists today because of Labotsibeni's courage and determination to protect her people. Labotsibeni truly lived up to the meaning of her middle name, indomitable or unshakeable.