The king cannot enter where men have entered before; this is the custom of emaSwati.
According to a 2004 report in the Daily Sun, the first to flee was Delisa Magwaza, 30, known as Inkhosikati LaMagwaza, who made her way to London via Cape Town. She was followed by Putsoana Hwala, 30, known as Inkhosikati LaHwala, who left behind her three children
It is His Majesty’s responsibility to break the virginity of his wife, no man can do it for him.
While there was no explicit rule that said royal brides had to be virgins, it was an accepted part of a royal protocol.
So before Diana could marry Prince Charles, her family had to confirm that she was, in fact, a virgin.’
The King is traditionally mandated to pick a new wife every year from the virgins who partake in the traditional chastity rite held at the Ludzidzini Royal palace near Swaziland’s capital Mbabane. … He succeeded his father King Sobhuza II who ruled Swaziland from 1921 to his death in 1982.
Virgins are an endangered species, even in eSwatini where one of the highest HIV infection rates have been recorded.
There are many taboos in eSwatini regarding the king and purity; death and promiscuity are two atmospheres the king must avoid for the sake of his anointing.
The 51-year-old was crowned on in April 1986 when he was just 18, becoming the youngest ruling monarch in the world at the time. He is well known for his polygamy and has at least 15 wives and 23 children.
King Mswati’s latest wife was only 19 years old when she was compelled to marry the king.
It is worth noting that one cannot say no to “the mouth that never lies”.
Having more wives was looked upon as a sign that you were wealthy and manly – you could afford to have a large family, and “take care” of many women.
It tied you to vassals if you married into their family, ensuring their (and to them, your) loyalty.
Whether she was tested for her virginity before marriage is unclear.
But the practice is not new to the nation where eligibility to participate in the Reed Dance was determined by virginity.