African Royalties : Swazi prince

November 29, 2019 No comments

November 22, 2019 No comments

November 09, 2019 No comments

November 04, 2019 No comments

His Majesty Ingwenyama presided over the kingdom's Thanksgiving End of Year Church Service hosted at the Mandvulo Grand Hall in Lozitha on Sunday October 13th.

With this year's theme was ‘God has been our strength and refuge’ derived from Psalms 28:7, the church service began with a prayer and then the choir singing lead by Nothando Hlophe before His Majesty gave his speech.

Emakhosikati, Emazinyane and members of the royal family were in attendance.

His Majesty then address the crowd and nation explaining how the pledge at last week's Global Fund came to be about. His Majesty explained that it was God who planted and revealed that the US$ 6 million (which is approximately E91 million) pledge in his mind while he was attending the Sixth Global Fund Replenishing Conference. He then continued saying that He(God) would assist the country make good of the pledge and provide more than the amount.

He further reiterated that while he was busy mulling over the country's current economic situation, where the economy was not in a good position with strikes in the public service. “I asked myself if I could also make a commitment. Whilst still meditating, a figure was planted into my mind. I did not discuss it with anyone. Then I made up my mind that since that figure had already been planted, I should go ahead and make the pledge as it was not a mistake,”.

“I hadn’t planned on any figure; I was actually confused as other countries were making their pledges. This means that God had planned it. Some wonder and some even asked where that amount will come from but I assured them that it will be available knowing that our God provides and He is with me. God said we should prophecy things and it will manifest, life and death are in the power of the tongue,” he said.

The service ended with a banquet dinner.

Meeting with new High Commissioners and Ambassadors:

Yesterday, His Majesty received and accepted the letter of credence from five new envoys from countries around the world to begin their diplomatic work in Eswatini.

The new envoys came from: Kuwait, Japan, Indonesia, UAE and India

October 15, 2019 No comments

Reported earlier that His Majesty Ingwenyama Mswati III was attending Global Fund in France hosted by H.E President Emmanuel Macron, aimed at raising funds for the replenishment of the Global Fund which helps to combat HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria strains, increase medical resources.

On Thursday October 10th, addressing the entire congregation, Bayethe firstly expressed gratitude to France for hosting and seeing to it that the fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria continued. He noted how since the creation of the Fund, there has been a significant impact in Africa, the Southern African region and the Kingdom of Eswatini saying that prior to this, many people were dying due to the lack of facilities and basic necessities required to ensure that all suffering from this diseases were properly taken care of.

He told the conference that there had since been a dramatic drop in the number of deaths and many lives have been saved. During that he on behalf of the nation pledged US$6 million(E91 million) to the Global Fund.

The kingdom was one of several African countries to make pledges. Other countries like Zimbabwe, Mali, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, Cameroon, Burundi, Uganda and South Africa also pledge. The kingdom has been a beneficiary of Global Fund assistance since 2003, having received E3, 9 billion (US$265,893,078) about 14 grants.

The Fund's target of US$14 billion was surpassed as US$14.02 billion was raised after the pledges. Other pledges came from President Macron, Microsoft founder and Bill and Melissa Gates co-founder Bill Gates, as well as from Awards wining singer, songwriter Bono who, on top of a US$60 million they each pledged, announced a further US$100 million commitment which they would raise during the replenishment period. The Replenishment Conference is held every three years and the current cycle will run from 2020 until 2022.

On the sidelines of the Fund's conference, Bayethe met with Japan's Foreign Affairs Minister Keizuke Suzuki. Both His Majesty and Minister confirmed bilateral relations amongst both kingdoms. They held and discussed various issues of mutual interest between the two countries.

I am not sure if His Majesty reconfirmed his presence during the talks at the October 24th's enthronement ceremony of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Naruhito in Tokyo and the dinner which the Imperial Sovereign couple will be hosting after.

Return to the Kingdom:

His Majesty, HRH Inkhosikati LaMahlangu and the Eswatini delegation return to the Kingdom on Saturday where he addressed the kingdom about the pledge at Ludzidzini Royal Residence.

His Majesty explained how important it was for the kingdom to make its first pledge to help other nations as the kingdom has been a recipient of pledges for many years now. He said that "It is all about saving people".

He continue by saying that the conference was attended by the United Nations, Heads of States and business people as well as institutions who wanted to help fight epidemic diseases

October 13, 2019 No comments

His Majesty King Mswati III presided over the Imbube Marathon which took place on Sunday October 7th held at Somhlolo National Stadium.

The marathon began with the singing of the kingdom's national team and a word of encourage from the King.

His Majesty was accompanied by his wives Emakhosikati, children Emazaniyane and Minister of Sports Culture and Youth Affairs to attend the 42 km marathon event which brought together over 5000 athletes from around the world.

The first winners were South African Bonginkhosi Mavuso and Kenyan Jennifer Koech who received their winning trophies and a hefty Emalageni 30 000 checks from His Majesty. Mavuso crossed the finish line after 2h:28min:58sec with Jennifer on the women's end crossing at 2hrs:59mins:54secs.

African Electronic Trade Group's Regional Office Launch:

The King on Friday launch the Regional Office of African Electronic Trade Group held at the Mandvulo Grand Hall at Lozitha Palace.

The launch which was attended by various former and current African Head of States, members of the Kingdom's government began with prayers and songs by award winning gospel singer Nothando Hlophe(His Majesty's future daughter in law).

When givings his speech, Bayethe spoke about the importance of e-commerce and how it plays a vital role in the ending of huge youth unemployment as well as in the improvement of competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on the continent.

His Majesty's words on action and encouragement to the youth, urging them to take charge of not just their future but that of the Kingdom, through this new platform that will enable them increase the country's digital economy with a E346 trillion network.

His Majesty worriedly express that digital wealth is still concentrated in the hands of a few large digital platform companies with the African continent trailing considerably.

His Majesty was accompanied by his senior sons TRH Prince Lindani, Prince Sicalo, Prince Bandzile and Prince Majahonke.

October 09, 2019 No comments

October 08, 2019 No comments

Royal Proposals:

Two official royal proposals were made during this year's dance. First one from His Royal Highness Prince Majahonke at Ludzidzini Royal Residence.

In custom with Eswatini customs and traditions, a man publicly declares his love and interest to a maiden by bowing and placing a shield infront of her as she dances with other maidens.

And that's how His Majesty's second eldest son with HRH Inkhosikati LaMotsa(her first son) did in the presence of his father, grandmother, mothers and the entire kingdom when he publicly proposed to his girlfriend and gospel singer Nothando Hlophe. He became the first of the King's children and son

Nothando who had the red feathers of the Royal Bird also know as Ligwalagwala plugged in her hair just like the princesses was dancing alongside them. The feathers of the Royal Bird are reserves for female members of the royal family.

During her dance, His Royal Highness approached his future bride accompanied by his brothers performing the traditions as well as plucked one feather publicly declaring his love. They then engaged in a short conversation, dance together as the accompanied princes returned to their seats.

Princess Tiyandza's engagement:

On Friday September 13th, it was the future groom's elder sister HRH Princess Tiyandza who was proposed to.

During the Shiselweni Umhlanga ceremony witnessed yet another colourful and historic moment when Luis Leite publicly declared his love for Princess Tiyandza at Mbangweni Royal Residence.

The princess, who is well known as ‘Titi’ to her family and friends, wore a perfect smile when her future groom Luis bravely approached the Arena to perform the customary act as she dance alongside her siblings TRH Prince Lusuku and Princess Temaswati. This was much to the delight of all especially that of her proud father, grandmother and mothers especially her mother HRH Inkhosikati LaNgangaza.

The crowd could not help but ululate and applaud as the Mozambican national did it the traditional way by decorating the Princess with a white feather.

Emazinyane were still dancing with their sister and closely witnessed the special moment which lasted for about a minute, yet it is very symbolic.

According to reports, HRH was dancing to the song titled, Selingshonele Mbangazitha, which translates to my days are gone your Majesty.

This was when the princess was at the centre of the arena dancing beautifully with Emazinyane.

This sparked colour to the ceremony, evident in the way that the spectators went wild with ululations, screams, broad and warm smiles as the princesses continued to dance, while Luis continued to do the kudlalisela.

Accompanied by two of Emajaha Mdabulo and Shiyumsuthu who led him to the arena to officially declare before the nation his love for the princess. Luis was also properly dressed in traditional regalia just like a true Liswati warrior, came from the left of the arena while the princess was doing a solo dance.

The incident was also very well received in the arena and proved to be a major highlight of this year.

At the end of the proposal, Luis later met with His Majesty and Her Majesty the Queen Mother who were in all smiles as the congratulated the future groom.

Both couples later privately met with Her Majesty the Queen Mother who celebrations

September 20, 2019 No comments

In between UMHLANGA 2019 events, His Majesty Ingwenyama/Bayethe Mswati III accompanied by Their Royal Highnesses Emakhosikati, Emazinyane(his children) and members of the Royal family attended and hosted a number of events in the kingdom.

Trade fair:

On August 31st, His Majesty officially opened the 51st Eswatini International Trade Fair held at Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre. The trade fair ran from August 31st-September 9th.

During his opening, Bayethe expressed his wish for the trade fair to be the biggest on the continent. He urged the ministry of commerce to extend both the pavilions and number of days for the exhibitions for the 2020 edition.

He continue by saying he had been informed that the trade fair arena was becoming smaller each year as the number of exhibitors keeps on growing annually and for the days to be extended due to demand from Emaswati.

He also expressed how he wished the show could become a yearlong event, whereby different products and businesses could exhibit interchangeably as is the case with the World Trade Centre.

He impressed and applauded at the increase of businesses that had participated in this year's trade fair as well as others from different countries. He encouraged exhibitors to take advantage of the platform to showcase their products and businesses and also noted that the trade fair is of great importance as it coincides with traditional events such as Butimba (Royal Hunt) and Umhlanga Reed Dance.

The king then encouraged Emaswati to attend the ceremony to support and see the regiment as they showcase their dancing skills. He said the support from traditional structures and parents of the maidens was appreciated and evident through the turnout of the Imbali.

Eastern and Southern African Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) 20th anniversary dinner:

On September 7th, His Majesty accompanied by members of the royal attended the 20th anniversary dinner of the ESAAMLG hosted at the Royal Swazi Sun.

His Majesty noted that for African States to obtain economic growth, we need the integrity of their financial systems to attain first world status by making sure that they are resilient and reliable but that these systems relied heavily on a strong legal framework so that the perpetrators get the relevant punishment.

He added that money laundering and the financing of terrorism were the most detrimental crimes of today’s generation and stated that such activities were an enemy of the continental Vision 2063 which seeks to ensure that every African citizen lives in harmony and also provide the people with quality social services amongst other objectives.

“We have witnessed the after effects of the operation of such organised crimes in several nations, some within the ESAAMLG family and others from various African countries. Not only do they cause a displacement in people but they counter initiatives aimed at economic and inclusive growth.

He also revealed that as a founding member of ESAAMLG, Eswatini has come a long way in positioning itself to fight any acts that have a potential to destabilise the financial sector.

He further expressed his hope that other countries will join the fight against money laundering as it is a cancer that kills economies.

He said it was gratifying to note that after 20 years, 18 countries were now involved in the anti-money laundering campaign. “These crimes may originate in one jurisdiction but may have a bearing in another, thus the need to be collaborative and be one step ahead of these criminals as they are very intelligent and innovative in nature,” he closed.

Esicojeni Foundation dinner:

At a dinner for the Esicojeni Foundation hosted at Lozitha Royal Palace on September 9th, His Majesty King Mswati III urged the kingdom to adopt the culture of looking out for each other especially in times of need, stating that those who are underprivileged are everyone’s responsibility.

He made these remarks while receiving E1 025 000 from four companies which are major sponsors of Esicojeni Foundation.

The four companies were Standard Bank, MTN Eswatini, Galp Energia Eswatini and Letsego.

His Majesty the King in his capacity as the royal patron of the foundation applauded the companies for the sponsorship stating that the donations would go a long way towards helping the underprivileged and children.

His Majesty the King thanked the board which was previously led by now Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini for the good work they have been doing in improving lives of destitute people in the rural communities.

African E-Platform Launch:
His Majesty will bless the launching of the African E-platform next month after meeting with Chairperson of the African Electronic Trade(AceTrade) Group, Mulualem Syoum at Lozitha Royal Residence on September 2nd.

Eswatini will officially host the e-platform according to His Majesty after being handed the rights to host it during the Ordinary Session of the African Union Heads of State and government held in Niamey, Niger on July 7th.

The plateform will be creating employement locally by hiring about 2000-4000 Emaswati. African head of states, governments, Regional economic communities, African development Bank, Afrexim bank as well as SADC ministers of trade will be in the kingdom for the official lauch

Ngwane College graduation ceremony:

His Majesty King Mswati III accompanied by Emakhosikati, members of the royal family, Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini and cabinet ministers attended 36th graduation ceremony at Ngwane Teachers’ Training College on September 14th.

During his presiding over the ceremony, in his speech he commended the good work done by teachers and to continue with such wonderful work because ultimately it benefits the whole country. He said that everyone is a product of teachers and therefore teaching was a profession that should be respected and advised the graduates to represent the college well, be exemplary and portray a good image and be ambassadors wherever they would be posted.

Over 315 graduated with 182 in Early Childhood Care Education programme, while 233 did Primary Diploma Certificate (PTC).

He then congratulated them and further thanked their parents, relatives, others, the lecturers for also playing their part, which saw the students through the journey and starting another one, which was to apply all the skills they acquired from the college.

The King further advised the graduands not to give up when they do not immediately get employed, but should remain patient until they were employed.

The King said teachers were important in the country and they should play their part in seeing to it that the country achieves all its goals. They should be ready to shape the minds of the youth and guide them to be independent, as well as shape their careers’ goals.

The King went on to say teachers, as role models, should know what would be good for the pupils they teach and advised them not to have any bad influence to them (pupils).

September 20, 2019 No comments

After the long week of Butimba that prequels the Umhlanga Reed Dance which ended on August 26th, The official cultural dance began the next day.

The Imbali regiments came to officially register themselves before being commissioned by His Majesty King Mswati III and Her Majesty Ndlovukati Ntformbi. About 100K young Swati ladies age vary from around the kingdom were accounted for when they arrived at Ludzidzini Royal Residence(Queen Mother's official residence) happily singing “Lomabandza yiNgcwenyama, asinandzaba sitawufela eNkosini”.

The regiments were welcome by National leader of imbali regiment Nonduduzo Kunene and Imbali leader Nothando Mkhonta as well as the princesses Temaswati, Sibahle, Sakhziwe, Nkhosiyenzile and others.

They then left Ludzidzini for Ngabezweni Royal Residence(His Majesty's royal village from there they heard the commissioning message sent by His Majesty to cut their reeds at Mphisi Farm and KaBhamsakhe. His Majesty also provided necessary items to make sure that everyone will be comfortable during this week.

The Imbali led by the leaders and the Royal Princesses then marched out of Ngabezweni in traditional chants and dance(Kutsamba) enroute to cut their reeds. The regiment is protected by the Eswatini Royal Police. They dance throughout the night and sleep onside.

His Majesty met with the regiments in the evening of their first day

Here is a schedule of how the Reed Dance takes place:

Day One

The Imbali arrive in groups from of 200 from chiefdoms and meet at the Ludzidzini, Queen Mother’s royal village. From there they are registered for security. In the evening they sleep in huts of relatives in the village or in classrooms of nearby schools.

Day Two

In the morning they are separated into two groups, the older (about 14 to 25 years) and the younger (about 8 to 13 years). In the afternoon, they will march to Mphisi Farm and KaBhamsakhe with their supervisors. The older girls often march about 30 kilometres, while the younger girls march about ten kilometres. Government provides assitance like trucks for their transport.

Day Three

The reeds are cuts, usually about ten to twenty, using long knives. Each girl ties her reeds into a bundle.

Day Four

In the afternoon, they march back to the Queen Mother’s village, carrying their bundles of reeds. Again they return at night. This is done “to show they traveled a long way.”

Day Five

It is their resting day. Throughout this day the girls make final preparations to their hair, dancing costumes and different songs and dances. The day is also fill with dances, chants and a little party

Day Six

First day of dancing they drop their reeds outside the Queen Mother’s quarters. They move to the arena and dance, keeping their groups and each group singing different songs at the same time. This takes about 2 hours and is done in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen Mother as well as the Queen Consorts

Day Seven

His Majesty the King arrives and the regiments both Warriors and Imbali present their dances. The royal princes and princesses also present their dances. Sometimes the King, Queen Consorts join in.

Day Eight

King commands that dozens of cattle (perhaps 20 -25) be slaughtered and share amongst the girls before they are transported back home

August 29, 2019 No comments

It is almost that time of the year for Umhlanga and Reed Dance's festivities to begin in the Kingdom and earlier this week His Majesty King Mswati III and Her Majesty Ndlovukati Ntfombi commissioned both the warriors and maidens regiments for a week of pre festivities activities in preparation of the Umhlanga and Reed Dance happening next week between August 27th and September 2nd.

On August 20th, His Majesty commissioned the warriors(male) regiments for this year’s Butimba (hunting expedition), with dozens of members of various regiments setting out to Hlane Royal National Park where the expedition will be held.

During the last few day there were summons for emabutfo from all four regions to converge at Tihoncweni, before the regiments heeded the summons and were commissioned in its element on August 20th, at Ngabezweni Royal Residence as early as 10am where they jubilantly joined in songs, as they waited for His Majesty’s arrival.

They came to the expedition as a whole as they carried their knobkerries, spears and firearms.

His Majesty the King through Umbutfo Qomentanyeni Magagula, ordered the regiments to begin the expedition where they will be based and sleep over at Malindza under Chief Ndlondlo Tsabedze.

The King said today the regiments will then proceed to Hlane Royal National Park where upon they will be expected to register their firearms before the start of the expedition. They were warned that they should make sure that they register their firearms before the expedition and those who will fail to register theirs will not be allowed to use them during the hunt.

There was a lovely spectacle as His Majesty joined the libutfo in song and dance of traditional hunting songs. His Majesty was joined by the senior princes, his children the princes, male members of the royal family, and members of government.

One of the songs that were sung by the King and the regiments was Inyamazane Sayihlaba, which set the tone for the day.

The Hunt happens during the last week of August, and is a significant cultural event which precedes the Umhlanga Ceremony.

African Royalties

Translate

Search This Blog

About me

Labels

recent posts

Blog Archive