King Mswati III has renewed Eswatini’s longstanding claim to parts of South Africa, calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to return areas of Mpumalanga and northern KwaZulu-Natal, including Pongola, to the Kingdom of Eswatini.
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The remarks have reignited a decades-old debate over territorial claims between the neighbouring countries. The claims relate to historical and cultural ties dating back to the pre-colonial era, before modern national borders were established in southern Africa.
A renewed territorial claim
Speaking during a recent public address, King Mswati III said Eswatini’s claim is based on what he described as historical boundaries and referenced a United Nations resolution that he believes supports the kingdom’s position.
According to the King, territories that were once part of the Swazi Kingdom should be returned to Eswatini, arguing that the matter has remained unresolved for many years.
The monarch’s comments are not the first time he has raised the issue. Similar claims have been made over the years, with Eswatini maintaining that certain areas of present-day South Africa historically formed part of the kingdom.
There is an SA based committee that’s pushing for this. The border line actually divided and split some Swati families in half.
One family you find the uncle became South African whilst the Aunt remained in Eswatini. pic.twitter.com/63kgMJ0ITc
— Mr. Husband (@NamedInstigator) July 14, 2026
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South Africa has not responded
At the time of publication, the South African government had not publicly responded to King Mswati III’s latest remarks.
South Africa and Eswatini share close diplomatic, economic and cultural ties, with the two countries cooperating on trade, security and regional issues through bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
There has been no indication from the South African government that it is considering any changes to the internationally recognised border between the two countries.
A longstanding issue
The question of historical land claims has surfaced periodically over the years. Eswatini has previously argued that land lost during the colonial era should be reconsidered, while South Africa has continued to recognise the existing international borders established after both countries gained independence.
International borders are generally governed by treaties and international law, and any territorial changes would require agreement between the countries involved under applicable legal frameworks.
For now, King Mswati III’s latest statement is likely to prompt renewed discussion about the historical relationship between South Africa and Eswatini, although there is no indication of any formal negotiations regarding the territorial claims.
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