Photos of Mbabane, the capital of Swaziland

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Mbabane, the capital of Swaziland

At the end of the Anglo-Boer War, in July 1899, a special Commissioner with a force of the South African Constabulary rode into Swaziland from the Transvaal, to annex the Protectorate of Swaziland in the name of King Edward VII of England and to establish an Administration. The place known as Embabaan (named after a Chief, Mbabane Kunene, who lived in the area when British settlers arrived) in the "Highveld" was chosen as the seat for their administration.

Allister Miller Street
 
View from Fonteyn
 
Two women
 
Gilfillan Street
 
Damage after accident
 
Swazi Market
 
Entering Mbabane
 
Allister Miller Street
 
Parking in Mbabane
 
Bus station
 
Boy in bus
 
Bus services
 
At bus station
 
Msunduza Road
 
View to Msunduza
 
View over Msunduza
 
Mbabane panorama
 
Central Mbabane
 
Northern Mbabane
 
View from Fonteyn
 
 
Police compound
 
View of Sandla
 
Downtown Mbabane
 
Handicrafts market
 
Approaching intersection
 
Frost, Golf Course
 
Past Golf Course
 
The Swazi Market
 
Central parking
 
Mbabane, from Fonteyn
 
Fog in Mbabane
 
In Sidvwashini
 
Central Mbabane
 
Mbabane Market
 
View over Sidvwashini
 

Mbabane was chosen by the British as the seat of administration, mainly because of its altitude, about 1,200 metres above sea level, and therefore mild climate: the town of Bremersdorp (now Manzini), at 600 metres, the seat of the administration under the Boers, was considered too hot and unhealthy for Europeans.

In 1902 Mbabane was established as the seat of the then British administration of Swaziland. It was a small place then but it did have a hotel, established in 1888; the present City Inn now stands in its place. There was a store and a few houses and a cattle Station belonging to the then King Mbanzeni, where today the industrial site is situated.

Upon Swaziland regaining its independence in 1968, Mbabane remained its administrative capital, a pleasant town of around 39,000 inhabitants. This has now grown to an estimated population of 95,000. All government ministries are located here, although the Parliament building remains in Lobamba. Pleasant walks can be undertaken in the area, the scenery is beautiful and the climate generally delightful.