Mary Mdziniso

Mdziniso was born in Bhobokazi in Manzini District in 1924.[1] Her mother died while giving birth and her father (Efrom Dlamini) took her to the mission at Bethany in South Africa.[1] Aged four, she was transferred to a mission at Mbuluzi, where she was fostered by Mary Peak Brown, whose first name she took.[1] In 1929 she started her education at Mbuluzi Girl's School.[1]

After leaving school in 1937,[1] she attended Inanda Seminary School in Natal, where she trained to be a domestic science teacher.[2] After three years of training, she returned to Mbuluzi Girl's School and began teaching.[1] During her time in Inanda, she met Mdziniso, who was training to be a pastor. The couple married in 1947.[1] She subsequently worked at the Swazi National High School.[2] In 1965 she entered the civil service as a Domestic Science Field Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture.[2] She founded the Lutsango lwaka Ngwane women's organisation two years later.[1]

Following the 1967 elections, Mdziniso was appointed to the Senate by King Sobhuza II,[3] becoming the first female member of parliament.[4] In 1994 she became Deputy President of the Senate,[5] remaining a Senator until 1998.[1] She also served on the board of the Swazi Red Cross and Dairy Board,[2] and was awarded an honorary doctorate of law by the University of Swaziland.[1]

She died on 1 June 2000.[1]