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KING PLEDGES TO WALK IN PREDECESSORS’ FOOTSTEPS

By Bongiwe Dlamini | 2024-04-20

“I pledge to continue leading with the best interest of the people at heart, and in the footsteps of my predecessors.”
He said as a king entrusted to lead Emaswati, he did not want to lose the ways of his forefathers.
“As we say in our culture, a king will always be king by his people Inkhosi yinkhosi ngebantfu!” he stated.

Even so, the king said the most effective development for a country is one in which people make a conscious effort to unify around a common goal of improving lives and believe in their collective potential to make a difference in their communities.

Therefore, he said with the help of the government and various poverty relief funds, Eswatini will make significant progress towards the ultimate goal of becoming a developed country.
“May we be reminded that time is of the essence and therefore, the ‘Nkwe’ philosophy should apply in all our endeavours,” advised the king.

Mankayane to be bigger and better

The Mankayane Town aims at being home to various investment initiatives that will not only develop the area, but create jobs for Emaswati.

Some of the initiatives that had been planned for the town included the construction of a factory shell, a shopping centre, a sports pavilion, and tourism sites.

His Majesty King Mswati III said all these facilities had a potential to create jobs.
He noted that over the years from the last time the king’s birthday celebration was held at Mankayane, the town had progressed, which was welcome.

However, he said there was still room for further expansion and development in the town as it offered numerous opportunities for various initiatives such as agriculture due to the conducive climate.

The king said the town’s proximity to three border posts in Sicunusa, Mahamba, and Gege, necessitated creativity in attracting people from outside of the country’s borders.
“The town has the potential to equal if not better than other developing towns.

Increased
“It is no doubt that today’s celebration will have a positive impact on the local economy through increased tourists, retail sales and interactions.

Let this event kick-start a turning point for this town’s transformation,” stated His Majesty.
In this regard, the king even hinted that maybe the town would continue developing to a point that a royal palace would be built there.

“Who knows, maybe the next time we return there will be a royal palace built here,” he said much to the crowd’s applause.

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