Swazi Observer

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SOLVE UNEMPLOYMENT PROBLEM – KING

By Sibusiso Dlamini | 2025-01-05

At the dawn of the New Year, His Majesty King Mswati III has thrown down the gauntlet to the nation, calling on all Emaswati to unite in addressing unemployment, which he highlighted as one of the most urgent challenges confronting the country today.

His Majesty also expressed deep concern over food insecurity and urged the nation to prioritise agricultural productivity as a cornerstone of economic stability.

The king put emphasis on the importance of unity, hard work and community spirit in ensuring food security for the nation.

Speaking when dispersing Libutfo (regiments) marking the conclusion of the annual Incwala ceremony yesterday at Engabezweni Royal Residence, the king called for a nationwide effort to ensure that every citizen contributes to eradicating joblessness, especially among the youth.

“Life today is about whether you have a job or are at school, so as we enter 2025, we pray for blessings so that all Emaswati can move forward, leaving behind the challenges of 2024,” said the monarch, addressing hundreds of attendees who included Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, Cabinet ministers, royalty, chiefs and dignitaries.

“One of the major challenges we must sit and work together on is ensuring no one is idle at home,” implored the king, who has on various occasions placed emphasis on job creation.

During his numerous engagements last year, His Majesty witnessed two striking moments when young women screamed for his assistance in securing employment, vividly highlighting the urgency of addressing the unemployment crisis.

On both occasions, the king immediately instructed Cabinet ministers to intervene, resulting in the women subsequently gaining employment.

At the official openings of several factories, the king championed the importance of large-scale manufacturing and value addition, urging stakeholders to focus on these areas because of their potential to generate substantial employment opportunities and provide relief for the country’s many jobseekers.

Addressing the regiments, who came in their numbers, His Majesty highlighted the enduring role of traditional practices like weeding in fostering cooperation and resilience.

“Weeding has always been about unity and working collaboratively. Back in the day, there were no orphans because communities came together to help those in need,” said the king.

His Majesty reflected on the values of sharing and community care that characterised life in earlier generations, urging Emaswati to revive these practices.

“In the past, even during times of scarcity, communities shared what little they had. That was a good way of living, and it is a tradition, we must continue to ensure no one is left behind,” the King added.

The monarch emphasised that food security is a critical foundation for a stable economy and called attention to the need for collective effort to achieve it.

“All nations need food security to have a stable economy. We cannot have economic stability without ensuring that every citizen has enough to eat, so as you return to your communities continue with the weeding and encourage others to do the same so that we can achieve a bumper harvest,” he explained.

His Majesty called on all citizens to view food security as a shared responsibility, stressing its vital role in fostering national prosperity.

“We need to work hard to leave something behind for future generations. That is the prayer we take into the New Year – to see a united and prosperous Eswatini,” said the king.

His Majesty’s call comes at a time when approximately 25 per cent of our population—around 304 000 people—are experiencing severe acute food insecurity, according to Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thuli Dladla.

These figures, according to the DPM, highlight an urgent and indisputable call to action to close food gaps, restore livelihoods and combat malnutrition in the country.

Dladla has made it known that in recognition of the gravity of this emergency, government has already committed and diverted about E65 million from development projects to provide food assistance to vulnerable households.

She highlighted that this was far from what is needed and urgently requested support from the international and regional community, urging them to come together and co-create innovative response strategies.

While the country did not face the usual effects of the El Niño phenomenon 2023/24 head on, persistent dry spells have decimated crop yields and strained rural resilience.

Maize production for the 2023/2024 season, has according to the DPM, been 47 percent below national consumption needs, leaving a significant grain deficit of 192 000 metric tons that must be met through imports.

Rewards Ingaja with 377 cattle, E33 million

His Majesty King Mswati III has gifted 377 cattle and E33 million to the Ingaja in appreciation of their unwavering dedication and respect during the recent Incwala ceremony.

The generous gesture was announced by Indvuna Finyeza following the king’s heartfelt remarks, where he praised regiments for their commitment and discipline throughout the sacred ceremony.

His Majesty, visibly pleased by the response, looked on with a smile as the Ingaja erupted in joyous celebration. Shouts of ‘Bayethe!’ and traditional dances filled the air in appreciation of the royal gift, reflecting the deep respect and admiration they have for the king.

Calls for collective responsibility

His Majesty reiterated the call for collective responsibility and unity as he expressed profound satisfaction with the success of this year’s Incwala ceremony.

The king lauded the various regiments, including Lutsango (women’s regiment), Imbali (maidens), and Ingaja (young men’s regiment), for their unwavering commitment to their royal duties.

“It is laudable to see the commitment displayed during this ceremony, and I believe that same dedication should be extend to ensuring a better future for all Emaswati,” he stated.

“The beauty of the ceremony has been witnessed through the rains. From when we started weeding, the rains have been pouring, ensuring that the farms we are weeding will be fruitful,” he added. The monarch specifically highlighted the arduous task of gathering Lusekwane, the sacred shrub central to the ceremony.

“Even when you went to get the Lusekwane, you brought the best. The shrubs you brought back were heavy, but true warriors persevered to get the job done. Being a true warrior is about not quitting,” said the king.

His Majesty shared an inspiring story of a warrior who, despite struggling under the weight of the shrub, refused to give up. “That warrior eventually managed to deliver it, and that’s the spirit of a true warrior.

Those who worked tirelessly throughout the night, carrying the shrubs, have demonstrated admirable dedication and commitment,” he said.

King commends record breaking attendance

The king expressed profound satisfaction with the record-breaking attendance at this year’s Incwala ceremony, commending the remarkable growth in participation compared to previous years.

He described it as a testament to Emaswati’s unwavering commitment to their sacred traditions, noting with pride the inclusion of regiments from neighbouring countries, who joined in the ceremony and embraced the cultural heritage entrusted to the nation by God and the ancestors.

Their involvement, the monarch said, underscored the event's growing influence and its role in fostering unity across borders.

“This impressive participation strengthens our resolve to preserve this tradition for future generations,” His Majesty stated, urging continued dedication to cultural preservation.

The king emphasised that such efforts would ensure that the values and practices of Incwala remain vibrant, serving as a beacon of national pride and identity for years to come.

The monarch underscored the importance of safeguarding the sacred Incwala ceremony for future generations, calling on the nation to remain steadfast in their commitment to cultural preservation.

“We have a huge responsibility to preserve this sacred tradition for future generations, so let’s work hard on it because, in life, you always have a purpose to work hard and make the life of the next generation better.

“They should know that we cared,” said the King.

Incwala teaches unity, respect - King

His Majesty King Mswati III has emphasised the significance of the Incwala ceremony in fostering unity, respect, and love among Emaswati.

The monarch spoke passionately about the ceremony when dispersing Libutfo yesterday, highlighting that the beauty of Incwala lies in its power to teach essential values, guiding the youth and the entire nation towards a future rooted in mutual understanding and dedication.

“When you come for the Incwala ceremony, you learn respect, how to handle yourself, and how to approach life with love and compassion,” His Majesty said.

“Even when something worries you, the warriors are always there to offer counsel, ensuring that no one is left without guidance.

Their advice is always rooted in wisdom and care,” he added.
His Majesty also acknowledged the importance of collective effort in all aspects of life, including the tasks during the weeding duties.

“When we work together, many things prosper,” said the king, emphasising that the values learned through the ceremony, such as unity, can be applied in every aspect of society.

The monarch also addressed the shift towards modern machinery, such as tractors, but reaffirmed that it was the strength of unity that remained paramount.

“If we lose our unity, we will lose a lot,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of maintaining traditional ways that have been passed down by the ancestors.

The king also expressed his pride in Ingaja, who continue to learn the values of discipline and unity through the growing regiments.

He said these teachings, gifted by God and the ancestors were vital for preserving the nation’s rich traditions.

“If God has given us something, it is our duty to hold it and protect it,” His Majesty stated, shining light on his role as a compassionate and dedicated leader committed to upholding the unity and dignity of the nation.

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