African Royalties : Swazi princess

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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

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September 30, 2019 No comments

His Majesty King Mswati III recently concluded his stay in the United States of America where he attended the 74th General Assembly.

During the course of the week, His Majesty attended a number of meetings including the UN SDG and environmental session.

On Wednesday September 25th, He addressed the General Assembly where he spoke about peace, conflict, climate change, poverty alleviation and the exclusion of Taiwan at the top of his concerns making recommendations on the action required of the UN body as a collective.

This year's theme was Galvanising multilateral efforts for poverty eradication, quality education, climate action and inclusion’.

During his speech, he urged all to avoid dictating how countries should be govern and impose their ideologies on other nations of the world as he noted that this is a great fuse to the current conflicts in various parts of the world and causes many inhumane sufferings. He has called upon the UN to act swiftly, discourage such behaviours and remind leaders that they are all equal, irrespective of country size and economic power.

On bridging the gaps and promoting collective action, he implore the assembly to play its role on taking centre stage on inclusion and participation of all Member States through cooperation, dialogue and reforming existing organs where needed. He noted that most current challenges such as terrorism, climate change, migration, transnational organized crimes and many others, could be effectively addressed without multilateral cooperation.

On the inclusion of Taiwan, he said was a crucial step in realizing the pledge Agenda 2030 of leaving no one behind will remain elusive and false if they continued to deprive other nations the opportunity to play a pivotal role in the UN affairs, as stipulated in the preamble of UN General Assembly resolution 70/1 adopted on September 25th 2015.

He also spoke about supporting African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Ae-Trade platform needing the full support of the UN as it would propel the continent towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He asked the UN to invest more in SDGs to help end poverty. He said this was necessary to build strong societies and social protection systems that would ensure the inclusion of special interest groups affected by poverty.

On setting up regional disaster funds, His Majesty recommended the setting up of permanent regional disaster funds to help cushion against the effects of natural disasters and set-up sub-regional humanitarian hubs that will be equipped to respond swiftly to disasters.

He also spoke about reassess allocation of development assistance and providing assistance to educators.

Following his address, His Majesty met with the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres in private. During their private talks, the Secretary-General commended the Kingdom for its leadership in taking steps to tackle developmental challenges they faced and also discussed Eswatini’s implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The UN will provide strong support to the kingdom through its resident coordinator and country team to integrate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in national planning processes. The local delegation has submitted that among the results of this support includes the poverty reduction levels, decline in the prevalence of stunting among children under five years, improved access to water and electricity in urban and rural areas and helping the country record, for the first time in 2017, zero cases of polio, disability and death from tetanus, whooping cough and measles.

The kingdom was also seeking support from the UN in establishing a permanent regional disaster fund. This is to help cushion against the effects of natural disasters, as well as at SADC level for a sub-regional humanitarian hub equipped with emergency response equipment, tools and skilled personnel to provide expertise, advice and capacity building to Member States. The strong relationship has seen the kingdom offer land for the construction of the UN common premises which host a state of the art infrastructure.

Later His Majesty also held bilateral talks with the President of the Republic of Ireland Michael Higgins, and His Majesty King Rukidi IV of Oyo Kingdom.

On Wednesday evening, in his capacity as the current Chairperson of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), he attended a meeting of the End Malaria Council co-chaired by Bill Gates and Ray Chambers.

The meeting's agenda was to discuss the Council’s progress over the last year and explore the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

September 30, 2019 No comments

This year's Reed Dance has been fill of surprises and many joyful moments which ended last Friday September 13th at Mbangweni Royal Residence.

The dance which began on August 27th with over 100k registered maidens at Ludzidzini Royal Residence brought over more than 10k watchers to the kingdom from all four corners of the world including from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other African continents.

All the Emakhosikati(Queen consorts), Emazinyane(the King's children and grandchildren), members of the Royal family, His Majesty the King’s guests from different countries, country representatives and other dignitaries who included African development Bank president Akinwumi Adesina were also present to witness a beautiful afternoon of cultural activity.

Imbali, who were led by Imbali national leader Nonduduzo Zubuko and Imbali regiment leader HRH Princess Temaswati turned up in their numbers for the event, were a marvel to watch as they danced before Their Majesties. Both leaders also performed beautiful dances to thrill the spectators.

The Imbali were heard chanting; “Siyimbali yema Swati sichakazile, sitayincoba iAIDS,” which can be translated to “we are the pride of Eswatini nation, we are blossoming and we will conquer AIDS”, among many of the songs they performed on the day.

Maidens from across government agencies including the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS), and Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) were also proudly represented and were a force to be reckoned with as they danced uniformly displaying their skills to different songs.

They entered the arena bahlehla bakha umkhumbi before Indvuna Zubuko started a song ‘munikeni lihawu lakhe atodlalisela’. .

As per custom, His Majesty the King joined in the activity, moved with lacwebetelako doing the giya dance as adlalisela before the different maidens. His Majesty moved around the throngs of maidens who danced, singing ‘livi lekutjelwa boBabe’, ‘Mswati utsi ayihlome nalonyaka’, ‘ngivile ngebemanga kutsi Inkhosi iseLudzidzini’ and many more much to the excitement of the maidens.

Emakhosikati LaMatsebula, LaMotsa, LaNgangaza, LaMahlangu, LaMahlangu, LaMagongo, LaNte-ntesa, LaNkambule, LaFogiyane and LaMashwama later joined in the arena dancing alongside the maidens.

This year's Inkhosatana yeLudzidzini(Chief Maiden) HRH Princess Sibahle danced to ‘akunasangoma kulelive’. Thereafter her elder sister Libutfo lembali leader HRH Princess Temaswati danced to ‘sukumani tive tonkhe’, ‘ulikhambi lemhlaba wonkhe kuMalaleveva’, ‘sive nenhlaba nemazulu ayamvuma okandaba’, ‘asaliwa ngetikhali’ and ‘kudzinwa kubeketela’.

Maidens from neighbouring South Africa were in attendance and also joined in on the fun dancing and singing 'mkabayi kaJama', ‘elethu lelizwe’, ‘buphi buntombi bakho busele emobeni’ dressed in their native traditional regalia. The maidens arrived from Gauteng, Kwa-Zulu Natal and Mpumalanga provinces where some of Emaswati chiefs have royal kraals. Some came from Johannesburg, Standerton, Ermelo, Volkrust, Glenmore, Pongola, Dumbe, Enkhaba lendzala and Mjindini.

We also had a lovely dance from 2 year old Tiyabusa, daughter to HRH Princess Temtsimba and granddaughter to His Majesty who dance by herself as well as with her mother.

For the second and final leg of the Reed Dance ceremony at Mbangweni Royal Residence we had Imbali from the Shiselweni Region came in their thousands .

The ceremony which started with their arrival was a spectacular event, the throngs came in different ages could allowed the cold deterred them from honouring Their Majesties with their presence at the ceremony which is a pride to the maidens.

The day was started with delivering the reed before the King and Her Majesty the Queen Mother who took time to witness the thousands delivering and later dancing past to where Their Majesties seated.

The large numbers of the Imbali did not only come from Shiselweni but from the other three regions and beyond the borders were excited to have a moment passing next to the King as he watched in appreciation.

They later proceeded to the arena, where they danced up a storm before the throngs of people who were also in attendance to witness the ceremony which is also a tourists attraction.

The highlight was when the Imbali started the song ‘Mnikeni Lihawu Lakhe atodlalisela Imbali’, and was joined by His Majesty as he took to the arena to make rounds and appreciate the elated maidens who danced in jubilation as they were in the presence of their King.

Emakhosikati also took time from different occasions to go to the arena to appreciate Emazinyane who were showing off their skills and maturity in the dancing of traditional songs. Leading the Imbali was Princess Temaswati and Princess Sakhizwe who both at different intervals entertained the gathering dancing to their different songs. Also Princesses Temave and Sabusiswa were among those that stepped out to showcase their maturing talent.

One lovely royal we didn't see leading the Imbali this year was Her Royal Highness Princess Sikhanyiso. Her Royal Highness delegated her younger sister Her Royal Highness Princess Sibahle to lead the Imbali.

September 20, 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

A happy birthday to Her Royal Highness Princess Sikhanyiso Dlamini, The Principal Princess Inkhosatana (Chief Maiden: head of the Imbali regiment) of the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Her Royal Highness who is born on September 1st is the first child and daughter of His Majesty King Mswati III with Her Royal Highness Inkhosikati LaMbikiza. Although she has many siblings through her father, Her Royal Highness shares a sibling His Royal Highness Prince Lindani, senior prince.

Father-Daughter duo

The Inkhosatana who is nicknamed pashu by family and friends began her education in St. Edmund’s College, Ware in Hertfordshire where she did both primary and secondary school there. She then studied drama at Biola University in California where she graduated from before studying at Sydney University she graduated with master's degree in digital communication.

At the age of 10, she inherited the title of Inkhosatana and Chief Maiden from her aunt. Over the years, she embodied her role, title and duties diligently taking part in all steps as well make sure that all swati ladies were well taking care off. She announced her retire from her Chief maiden duties in 2015 but still takes part in the preparations leading to the reed dance and the after works.

With the support and advices of her grandmother and parents, she became the founding patron of the Imbali Foundation which was launched in 2014 which focuses on the health, education, and spirituality of Imbali YemaSwati.

She is also involve in the arts, sports and tourism sectors of the kingdom. Her Royal Highness is the patron of Miss Swaziland Tourism. She supports other patronages, charities and NGO.

Just like her mother Queen Sibonelo, Inkhosatana is a musician and recorded a few songs. During her stay in Malaysia where she interned at Limkowing University she recorded her son "Hail Your Majesty". You may sometimes catch her on her instagram live singing or rapping.

Mother-daughter duo

As the eldest of many children, she is always supporting her younger siblings in all their endeavours. She guides the youngest ones through their lives and always as an opening ear for them.

Her Majesty The Queen Mother in the middle with her grandchildren

She is close to her family

The birthday girl with her younger brother HRH Prince Lindani

Her Royal Highness showing support for her younger brother HRH Prince Bandzile during the launch of his foundation

HRH with her mother HRH Inkhosikati LaMotsa(far left) in Malaysia

Mother-Children duo: (L-R) TRH Princesses Tiyandza, Temaswati, Inkhosikati LaHwala(Queen Putsona Hwala, Prince Bandzile's mother), Prince Bandzile, Princess Sikhanyiso and Prince Majahonke at Prince Bandzile's foundation launch

Royal siblings during an official visit to Argentina

L-R: TRH Princesses Sibahle, Temtsiba, Sikhaniyso, Tiyandza, Sakhizwe. Front (L-R): Princesses Ntsandvweni, Mazwezulu, Princess Lamahle(Prince Majahonke's daughter) and Prince Mehluli At the King's birthday

Her Royal Highness supports His Majesty through her royal works and represents him at official events nationally and internationally. She accompanies the king during his international official visits whether it's to the United Nations.

In 2010, she was appointed to the Liqoqo by His Majesty for a five year mandate. In December 2018, she entered the political arena, when she was voted and sworn in as senator. She was also appointed to the government as Minister of Information Communication and Technology.