Independence Day in Eswatini

A public holiday named Somhlolo Day

The Public Holidays Act, 1938 names “Somhlolo (Independence Day)” on 6 September in its schedule. The Act says listed days are public holidays and treats them as non-business days for laws concerning bills of exchange and promissory notes.[1]

The Act provides that when a listed public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed as a public holiday. Government General Orders also include Somhlolo Day among approved public holidays for public servants; that document says a Sunday holiday moves to Monday, but not when it falls on Saturday.[1][4]

The law establishes the holiday’s public status, but there is no universal closure rule for every employer, school, bank, shop or transport service. The cited Act’s non-business-day provision is specifically about bills of exchange and promissory notes, so it does not establish that all businesses close.[1]

What the day commemorates

The Government of Eswatini’s account says negotiations with Britain for self-rule culminated in independence on 6 September 1968. It describes King Sobhuza II being crowned King and Ngwenyama of independent Swaziland at a ceremony at Somhlolo National Stadium, where instruments were handed over by George Thompson, representing the British Queen.[2]

The date also has a parliamentary association. The Parliament of Eswatini records that King Sobhuza II delivered the first Speech from the Throne in Parliament on Independence Day in 1968. The Parliament describes the State Opening as marking the start of a parliamentary session; this records a specific event from independence day, not a recurring annual programme.[3]

“Somhlolo” refers to King Somhlolo, an earlier monarch named in the government’s historical account. The Public Holidays Act uses Somhlolo Day as the schedule’s name for Independence Day, linking the national anniversary to both independence and Eswatini’s monarchy.[1][2]

Observances and practical planning

On 6 September 1968, the independence ceremony took place and King Sobhuza II delivered his first Speech from the Throne in Parliament. Visitors should check current local information for events and activities.[2][3]

For travel and errands, treat 6 September as a public holiday and check opening hours directly with the office, bank, shop or transport operator you plan to use.[1][4]