Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini Swazi politician. Date of Birth: 15.05.1942 Country: Swaziland

1. Barnabas Dlamini
2. Early Life and Career
3. First Term as Prime Minister (1996-2003)
4. Interregnum and Royal Council
5. Second Term as Prime Minister (2008-2018)

Barnabas Dlamini

Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini was a prominent Swazi politician who served as Prime Minister of Swaziland twice, from 1996 to 2003 and again from 2008 until his death in 2018.

Early Life and Career

Dlamini was born on May 15, 1942, in the Mhlontlo area of Swaziland. He obtained his bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Botswana, Lesotho, and Swaziland in 1974. Dlamini began his political career as Minister of Finance in 1984, a position he held until 1993.

First Term as Prime Minister (1996-2003)

In 1996, Dlamini was appointed Prime Minister by King Mswati III. During his first term, he implemented various economic and social reforms. He also played a key role in negotiating the Swazi constitution, which was adopted in 2005.

Interregnum and Royal Council

After his first term as Prime Minister, Dlamini served as a member of King Mswati III's Royal Advisory Council from 2003 to 2008. He was considered a potential candidate for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission in 2008, but his candidacy was withdrawn to allow the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to present a single candidate.

Second Term as Prime Minister (2008-2018)

Following the parliamentary elections of 2008, King Mswati III once again appointed Dlamini as Prime Minister. He was sworn into office on October 23, 2008, and held the position until his death in 2018. During his second term, Dlamini faced significant political and economic challenges, including a severe drought and political unrest. He remained a close ally of King Mswati III and played a key role in the country's governance until his untimely demise.