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EMASWATI TURN OUT IN NUMBERS FOR OPENING PRAYER

By Nokuzola Thwala | 2025-01-26

Emaswati came in great numbers to attend the first service of the year and some had to be turned back from the hall's entrance so that they could go and follow the service in the prepared overflow tent outside.

By 10.25am, the left wing of the hall, which is the section that is normally occupied by women, was filled to capacity and more congregants were turned back at the door.

About 30 minutes later, the other section where men sit was also filled to capacity.
This was during the national prayer service held at Mandvulo grandhall in Lozitha yesterday.

The theme of the service was: 'May the Lord prosper the nation', based on Jeremiah 29 verse 7.
During the service, whistles, joyful shouting and ululations were heard at different intervals as the Mandvulo praise team rendered beautiful renditions, ushering the congregants into the presence of the Lord.

Security and protocol officers had a hard time controlling the attendees at the door as they tried to force their way in and resisted going to the overflow tent.

At times there was an intense exchange of words and the security did not relent, stating that they were following orders.

"We cannot leave the comfort of our homes, only to be told that we will watch from the tent.
‘‘Beyond attending the service, this is about spending time in the presence of Their Majesties, which opens life’s doors on its own," Mlandvo Dlamini said.

In response, the security personnel said they were implementing orders just as they were given to them.

They further advised that the next time they hear that the nation is being invited to such national gatherings, they should arrive an hour earlier to avoid any confrontations.

Meanwhile, Programme Director, Reverend Nhlanhla Hlatjwako, said the service was meant to urge the nation to seek God's guidance and pray for peace and prosperity.
He added that when the nation prays, the country would definitely prosper as the Word of God had declared.

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