Swazi in Zimbabwe

Introduction / History

Most Swazis live in Eswatini, formerly called Swaziland. They also live in three other southern African countries: South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. A small number are in the United States. The Swati language unifies them.

Their ancestors were among the Bantu peoples who migrated from Central Africa. The Swazis were first recognized as a separate ethnic group in 1750. They were once sea traders who traded ivory and other expensive goods. Swazis were powerful enough that even Shaka Zulu did not attack them. Even the British were reluctant to attack them in the 1800s, a time when both British and Boor (Dutch) settlers were encroaching on traditional Swazi lands. Eventually, the Europeans prevailed until the end of the colonial era after World War II.

In the 1990s, Swazis had a high population growth rate. It was killed by widespread death from AIDS. By 2007, Swazis had an education crisis because so many children were orphaned by AIDS deaths.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today, they are closely allied with the Zulus, who also live in southern Africa. Swazis are considered more prosperous than other Black Africans in their region, but a large percentage of them have not enjoyed prosperity.

Most are subsistence farmers who grow maize, sorghum, beans, groundnuts, and sweet potatoes for local consumption. They also grow sugar and cotton as cash crops. The number of cattle a family has determines their wealth in the eyes of the Swazis.

Central to the Swazis is the family. They live near others from their clan. A man must not marry a woman from his father’s clan.

Swazi girls learn cooking and house duties from their mothers. Boys run errands and do light work with livestock for their fathers. Fathers play a minor role in socializing their sons, especially if they work away from home, a common practice in southern Africa. Children must show respect to their elders.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The majority of Swazis are Christian, no matter what country they live in. They have a strong Evangelical presence, and they can be Christ’s ambassadors in gospel starved parts of Africa.

What Are Their Needs?

Swazis need the desire to follow Christ with all their hearts and minds. Sexual immorality is a problem despite what the Bible says. They have a complete Bible and many gospel materials for evangelism and discipleship. All they need is to put the teachings of the Bible ahead of their traditional sex practices.

Prayer Points

Pray for a powerful revival in every Swazi family and church, drawing them into a close relationship with Jesus.
Pray for heartfelt repentance regarding sexual impurity and a willingness to obey the Lord.
Pray that soon Swazi workers will share their victorious lives with others, winning and equipping others for discipleship.
Pray for the Lord to move powerfully in the Swazi royal family, giving them the willingness to love and obey the King of kings.

Text Source:   Joshua Project