Eswatini has had twelve individuals serve as prime ministers since the position was created in 1967. There have also been eight acting prime ministers.
Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini served two non-consecutive terms as prime minister. However, the current prime minister is Russell Dlamini, and King Mswati III appointed him on November 4, 2023.
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Complete List Of Prime Ministers Of Eswatini From 1967 Till Date
Name | Took office | Left office | Political party |
|---|---|---|---|
Makhosini Dlamini | 16 May 1967 | 31 March 1976 | INM (until 1973) |
Maphevu Dlamini | 31 March 1976 | 25 October 1979 | Independent |
Ben Nsibandze | 25 October 1979 | 23 November 1979 | Independent |
Mabandla Dlamini | 23 November 1979 | 25 March 1983 | Independent |
Bhekimpi Dlamini | 25 March 1983 | 6 October 1986 | Independent |
Sotsha Dlamini | 6 October 1986 | 12 July 1989 | Independent |
Obed Dlamini | 12 July 1989 | 25 October 1993 | Independent |
Andreas Fakudze | 25 October 1993 | 4 November 1993 | Independent |
Jameson Mbilini Dlamini | 4 November 1993 | 8 May 1996 | Independent |
Sishayi Nxumalo | 8 May 1996 | 26 July 1996 | Independent |
Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini | 26 July 1996 | 29 September 2003 | Independent |
Paul Shabangu | 29 September 2003 | 6 November 2003 | Independent |
Themba Dlamini | 6 November 2003 | 18 September 2008 | Independent |
Bheki Dlamini | 18 September 2008 | 23 October 2008 | Independent |
Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini | 23 October 2008 | 5 September 2018 | Independent |
Vincent Mhlanga | 5 September 2018 | 27 October 2018 | Independent |
Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini | 27 October 2018 | 13 December 2020 | Independent |
Themba Masuku | 13 December 2020 | 19 July 2021 | Independent |
Cleopas Dlamini | 19 July 2021 | 28 September 2023 | Independent |
Mgwagwa Gamedze | 28 September 2023 | 4 November 2023 | Independent |
Russell Dlamini | 4 November 2023 | Incumbent | Independent |
Note: This table includes the permanent and acting (interim) Prime Ministers of Eswatini.
Who Was The First Prime Minister Of Eswatini?
The first Prime Minister of Eswatini was Makhosini Jaheso Dlamini, serving from May 16, 1967, until March 31, 1976.
Dlamini was appointed to this role shortly before Eswatini gained its independence from British colonial rule in 1968. Dlamini was involved in the Imbokodvo National Movement before he became prime minister.
His political views were aligned with the interests of King Sobhuza II, the king who ruled Eswatini during Dlamini’s time in office.
When Dlamini became Prime Minister in 1967, Eswatini was going through a period of change. The country was preparing for independence, and Dlamini’s job was to lead the government during this challenging time.
He worked on several important issues during his tenure. For example, he improved the country’s economy by modernizing agriculture and developing infrastructure.
He also expands educational opportunities for the people of Eswatini. However, Dlamini faced challenges in his role as Prime Minister.
In 1973, King Sobhuza II suspended the constitution and banned political parties. This move limited Dlamini’s powers as a political leader and affected the political system of the country. Yet, Dlamini remained in office until his resignation in 1976. After resigning, he passed away in 1978.
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Who Is The Current Prime Minister Of Eswatini?
The current Prime Minister of Eswatini is Russell Mmiso Dlamini, who was appointed on November 7, 2023, by King Mswati III.
The announcement of his appointment was made during a session of Sibaya, the People’s Parliament, on November 3, 2023. Russell Dlamini was born on October 23, 1973, in Manzini, Eswatini.
His mother, Joanah Vilakati, was a civil servant, and his late father, Stephen Sipho Dlamini, worked at the king’s office. He grew up in Eswatini, where he attended primary schools in Siteki and Mbabane.
And, he completed his high school education at St. Marks High School. After high school, Dlamini went on to study at the University of Swaziland, earning a degree in Agriculture.
He furthered his studies at the University of South Africa (UNISA), and he earned an Honours degree in Development Administration and a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development Planning and Management.
Dlamini also completed a Senior Management Development program at Stellenbosch University in 2023. Dlamini started as a petrol attendant after high school, then worked as a teacher at Masundvwini High School.
He later joined World Vision Swaziland, working in different countries, including Zambia and Rwanda. In 2015, Dlamini became the CEO of the National Disaster Management Agency.
He also served as a senior pastor at Nhlambeni Apostolic Faith Mission. Dlamini began his political career when he took part in public consultations organized by King Mswati III in October 2023. His appointment as Prime Minister came after the general elections held in September 2023.
