Bhunu

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Bhunu, also known as Ngwane V, Mahlokohla or Hhili, was the King of Swaziland from 1895 to 10 December 1899. He was born on 11 May 1876, the son of King Mbandzeni and Queen Labotsibeni Mdluli. After a brief regency by his mother, Bhunu was crowned king in 1895 at age 19. His capital was Zombodze, and the Queen Mother lived at Lobamba.

Swaziland became a protected state under the South African Republic after the Swaziland Convention of 1894, with some Dutch-style administration and taxes from concessionaires, while traditional Swazi rule continued. In 1899 the Anglo-Boer War began, and Swaziland tried to stay neutral.

Bhunu died on 10 December 1899, at age 23, while dancing the incwala ceremony. His death was kept secret until the ceremony ended. He was succeeded by his baby son Sobhuza II and his wife Lomawa Ndwandwe, with Bhunu’s mother Labotsibeni Mdluli serving as queen regent until Sobhuza II was crowned in 1921. A lasting reminder of his time is Mahlokohla Street in Mbabane, named after him. His reign moved Swaziland from a Boer protectorate toward a more independent path, ahead of full independence.