Bhekimpi Dlamini

Prince Bhekimpi Dlamini (1948 - 1999) was Prime Minister of Swaziland from March 25, 1983 to October 6, 1986.

Biography

Bhekimpi Dlamini was a traditionalist and pro-South African Swazi politician. He was elected Prime Minister replacing Prince Mabandla Dlamini due to disagreements between the latter and other members of the Council led by Prince Mfanasibili Dlamini during the regency of Queen Dzeliwe. Dzeliwe opposed this dismissal, so she herself was replaced as regent by Queen Ntombi.

Bhekimpi began the persecution of refugees from the South African apartheid regime who were deported to South Africa. As a result of the student protests, the University closed; All of this sparked the resurgence of the Swazi Liberation Movement, then led by Prince Clement Dumisa Dlamini. He was deposed by King Mswati III within months of being crowned.