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).