It is with deep sorrow that we report the passing of Sobhuza II. He died on August 21st 1982, at the age of 83. He was born in 1899 and was an important figure within both his political career and the culture of Eswatini, formerly Swaziland. Sobhuza II was the paramount chief of the Swazi nation for close to 82 years – making him the longest reigning monarch in the world since before his death. Sobhuza II inherited the throne at the tender age of 4 in 1899, when his father died, and was subsequently installed at the royal court in 1914. During the period of colonialism which followed, Sobhuza II acted as the figurehead of the Swazi Nation. In 1967 Sobhuza II led a campaign that restored Swazi independence and also abolished all political parties within the country, in order to appease discontent amongst the Swaziland people. Following independence, he continued to be a key figure in Swazi cultural life and was instrumental in spearheading the growth of traditional customs within the nation. Sobhuza II will be greatly missed by the people of Swaziland. May he rest in peace.