Eswatini's Hidden Jewish Heritage and Africa's Last Monarchy
Discover the hidden history of Eswatini, Africa's last absolute monarchy, exploring its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and a surprising Jewish heritage that spans Holocaust refugees to a royal prince who converted to Judaism.
Eswatini, known for most of its modern history as Swaziland, remains one of the most intriguing and lesser-known nations on the African continent. Nestled between South Africa and Mozambique, this compact monarchy spans just over 17,000 square kilometers. Despite its small geographic footprint, Eswatini holds a complex position in global politics and cultural history, serving as Africa's last absolute monarchy while concealing a rich historical tapestry that includes an extraordinary connection to Jewish heritage and refuge.
The Nation That Refused to Vanish
To understand Eswatini, one must examine its dramatic topography and unique history. Ancient geological movements created four distinct topographical and climatic zones running from north to south: the mountainous and cool Highveld in the west, where the capital Mbabane is located; the rolling Middleveld, an agricultural center housing the commercial hub of Manzini; the Lowveld, offering subtropical savanna expanses with extensive sugarcane plantations; and the Lubombo plateau rising along the Mozambican border.
The inhabitants of the country, the Amaswati, trace their origins to Bantu migrations from the 15th and 16th centuries. The Dlamini royal dynasty has maintained leadership of the nation to this day. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the leadership demonstrated shrewd diplomatic maneuvering against Boer settlers, eventually securing British protectorate status before achieving full independence in 1968. In 2018, King Mswati III officially restored the country's name from Swaziland to the Kingdom of Eswatini. Today, the absolute monarch holds exclusive executive, legislative, and judicial authority, balancing deep-rooted traditional ceremonies with international scrutiny regarding political pluralism.
Lions, Festivals, and Breathtaking Landscapes
Often dubbed the "Switzerland of Africa" due to its dramatic mountainous terrain, Eswatini offers an accessible blend of wild nature, ecotourism, and traditional culture. The tourism sector has experienced a remarkable recovery, drawing hundreds of thousands of regional and international visitors. Travelers can explore the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, the country's oldest conservation area, or spot lions, white rhinos, and leopards in the Hlane Royal National Park. Culture remains the beating heart of Swazi tourism, highlighted by the annual MTN Bushfire international music and arts festival.
From Holocaust Refugees to a Royal Convert
Beyond its natural beauty and royal traditions, Eswatini harbors a fascinating and lesser-known chapter: its deep historical connection to the Jewish people. Although the local Jewish community numbers only around thirty permanent residents concentrated around Mbabane, its historical imprint on the legal, economic, and educational systems is profound.
The roots of the community were planted during the late 1930s and World War II, when a small group of German-Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution sought entry permits into the British protectorate of Swaziland after being blocked by South Africa's strict immigration laws. Trapped by the outbreak of the global conflict, these families found unexpected sanctuary in the Swazi kingdom. Historical research, such as that by Dr. Jenine Schloss from Monash University, has brought these marginalized Holocaust stories to light.
During the early years, the refugees faced severe hardships, residing in makeshift shacks and mud huts while battling tropical diseases. Through financial and logistical intervention from the Jewish Board of Deputies in South Africa, the community gradually stabilized. Early pioneers, such as Lithuanian-Jewish immigrant Kalman Goldblatt, played a central role in regional development by helping establish the area's first commercial enterprises and urban neighborhoods. While many refugees moved on to South Africa or overseas after the war, a dedicated core remained, integrating deeply into local society. Through intermarriage over generations, many local Amaswati carry Jewish surnames—a quiet historical lineage born during humanity's darkest hours.
Prominent Figures and Diplomatic Ties
Despite its small size, the Jewish presence in Eswatini produced figures of national importance. Jurist Stanley Sapire served as President of the Court of Appeal of Swaziland, leaving a lasting mark on the kingdom's jurisprudence. In education, the late community leader Geoff Ramokgadi founded the Kobe High School in Ezulwini, an institution continuing to educate the nation's youth.
The most astonishing story connecting Eswatini to Judaism is undoubtedly that of Rabbi Natan Gamedze. Born into the Swazi royal family as the grandson of the king, Gamedze proved to be a brilliant linguist who mastered thirteen languages. While pursuing higher education at Oxford University and the University of the Witwatersrand, he encountered the Hebrew language, which sparked a profound spiritual journey. In 1991, Prince Gamedze formally converted to Judaism, moved to Israel, was ordained as a rabbi, and became a lecturer in Jewish philosophy in Safed.
This affinity is also reflected in foreign policy, as Eswatini and Israel have maintained formal diplomatic relations since 1968, immediately following the kingdom's independence. Over the decades, bilateral cooperation has spanned agriculture, water management, youth empowerment, and technological training. In modern geopolitics, Eswatini remains one of the few nations in southern Africa maintaining warm, practical ties with Israel, expanding security, technological, and economic collaborations away from the more strained diplomatic postures of neighboring South Africa.
