Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.King Mswati III of Swaziland is to marry his 15th wife.
The 45-year old will wed the 18-year old Sindiswa Dlamini, who took part in a beauty pageant. She is reported to have completed her education. At a previous traditional festival she was amongst the girls dancing for the king and his guests. This involved her appearing semi-naked and adorned with red feathers.
Mswati has been in power since shortly after his own 18 birthday in 1986, making him the youngest ruling monarch in the world at that time. He is currently Africa’s last absolute monarch and is known for his polygyny.
According to accusations by Amnesty, the king and his men abducted the high school student Zena Mahlangu in 2002. She was a twin, which meant she didn’t qualify to become a wife of the king. Nonetheless she was made his official wife in 2010.
Dlamini will soon be joining her and the king's other 13 wives in a life of luxury. The king's estate is estimated at 100 million dollars, whilst the majority of the 1.2 million inhabitants of the country live in poverty.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments