By Simon Shabangu | 2018-04-15

Former Zambian President Rupia Banda has said relations between his country and Swaziland date back to the era of the first presidents who also had good relations with King Sobhuza II.

Banda was speaking at Prince Lonkhokhela’s home during the engagement between Princess Simile and Zambian diplomat and businessman Darlington Mwape. The former president was the leader of the delegation which also included brothers, sisters and aunts of the groom to be. As per culture, the delegation brought a herd of 30 cattle to ask for the princess’ hand in marriage,  who is a daughter of Prince Lonkhokhela and Inkhosikati LaMabuza.

The former head of state said since one of his people would be marrying a member of the royal family, this would further strengthen relations between the two countries. He says as far apart as the two countries are, there is a strong bond between them given that there are Zambians who are originally from Swaziland. He says the princess will not be lost in Zambia but instead she will be coming home as there are many Dlaminis who are Zambians.

“This is a proud moment for the people of Zambia because we will now be taking a princess home. I must say that when the groom, whom I regard as a son, asked me to lead the delegation I felt honoured especially because I personally enjoyed good relations with  Swazi royalty over the years.

agreed

Another reason I agreed was because I saw the seriousness on the part of  ‘my son’  because he is very committed to the princess and I can assure you that she will be in safe hands. I have pledged to look after the couple and make sure that the princess gets the special treatment she deserves,” he said.

He added that  they came prepared to pay the price for the princess as per the Swazi custom because they know they are not marrying just an ordinary Swazi girl but royalty.

“We know the seriousness of this whole process and  must say that we are ready and committed to see it to the end because we love the people of Swaziland, the beautiful ladies around here will tempt us to even come back for another one as I have realised that there are still more beauties around here,” he said.

He said the African countries have lost their cultural heritage but to know that such still exists is very special because it will teach others about the importance and significance of  culture.

The former Zambian president was supported by the former Ludzeludze Member of Parliament Luke Mavimbela who was co-opted as a member and advisor to the delegation.

Former minister Lutfo Dlamini was also part of the delegation and assisted in the interpretation between the two parties during the successful negotiations.

 

There is Dlamini village in Zambia - Prince Masitsela

Prince Masitsela recounted how he travelled in many parts of Zambia looking for Swazi people in that country at the instruction of his father King Sobhuza II.

Prince Masitsela said he travelled many states and villages in a helicopter which was hired for him by the then President Kenneth Kaunda. He said he was also taken to a place called the Dlamini Village, which had a traditional home with a huge cattle byre.

“Upon arrival there, I was excited to find people who dressed like us and also sang and danced with us. Even the language they spoke was close to Siswati as we could easily understand each other during conversations although the youth could not follow. I knew when I got to the place that I was home,” the prince said.

He related that Zambians and Swazi people have been friends for many years, adding that the coming of a Zambian national to marry from the Royal family was no coincidence as this strengthened the relations that existed from way back.

The former president also confirmed knowledge of the home, affirming that he even knew some of the family members of that family.

He said when the princess finally goes to Zambia he will make sure she is taken to meet the people there who are originally from Swaziland.

“In fact in that area, there is a lot of authentic Swazi families as there are also Simelane, Mamba and Zwane people,” he highlighted.

Emalangeni impressed with Umkhwenyane

 

Prince Lonkhokhela said although he was excited that his daughter has found love, he was sad that there is no one whom she will be sending to do some errands around the family.

He says it was his belief that this was God’s plan, stating the Simile has always been impossible with males because even at school she used to beat up boys who were trying their luck with her.

“I still wonder how Mwape managed to win her heart because she has always been that girl who was focused and did not have time for boys.

“To me she was still a child but now that Mwape has come over, I will gladly let her go especially because he has proven to be a trust worthy, loving an honest person. The things he has already done for my daughter are evident enough that he means business,” he said.

Prince Sgombeni expressed appreciation of the way the groom has handled the relationship he started with the princess, noting that this was a sign of commitment to the princess and the family at large. He said even the way he has been treating and looking after the princess was a sign that he will make a good husband to her.

He, however, warned him and the family that a princess needs to be well looked after. He said under no circumstances did they expect him to raise a hand to the princess because Swazi culture does not allow violence against women.

 “In the event you encounter a problem, the families will be your support structures and we expect you to report that instead of taking the law unto your hands. I also want to say that Emalangeni are well mannered people and promise you that you will get the best treatment from the princess,” he said.

Sgombeni is a senior Prince for Sigombeni Royal Kraal and the Prince entrusted by the King with the responsibility of handling Lobola, weddings and related matters for the members of the Royal family. He is always in the forefront and handles all princesses traditional ceremonies as per his duties, among other responsibilities, within the royal household.

He spoke strongly about the responsibility Mwape has of ensuring that the princess is well looked after princess. He told Mwape that marrying a princess comes with a huge responsibility but also thanked him for playing his cards in the open, stating that this was sign of commitment and dedication to the relationship.

How they met

 

Princess Simile said she met him through a mutual business partner during President Edgar Lungu’s State visit to the country last year.

It was a day before the main day of the Umhlanga ceremony where the president was a special guest to the King when Mwape was part of the president’s delegation.

“I thought I was establishing a new business contact but more than anything, I was explaining to the visitors about the beauty of the country and our culture, despite the fact that he had made it clear that although we can do business together, that was not his intention with me.

His intentions became clearer to me when he consistently followed me around the world by flying to whichever city or country I was in just to have a cup of coffee with me,” she says.

Princess Simile, who is a daughter to Prince Lonkhokhela, an environmental scientist by profession and a business woman, related how she first tried to ignore Mwape who did not back off from his intentions which he had stated clearly from the onset.

“Despite those many dedicated meetings, Simile remained unconvinced though.

Undeterred, I continued to pursue the princess. It soon paid off because as she puts it in her own words ‘I was utterly and unexpectedly swept off my feet,” he relates.

Asked when they are planning to get married, they said were planning for later this year.

“We will continue to be guided by the elders on that matter. Considering the family the princess comes from, we were both immediately conscious of the mammoth task we were embarking on in view of the already established relationship our respective leaders have,” Mwape added.

Mwape thanked the Royal  family and the people of Swaziland for the good hospitality extended to him and the Zambian people.

 “Since my very first arrival in the kingdom, I have been enchanted by the rich culture of the people of this beautiful kingdom. The culture is deeply embedded in the people and effortlessly expressed through respect and warm hospitality that continues to make me feel that this is also home.

The reception my family and I received from the Royal family is beyond description and will forever be branded on our hearts. I am truly humbled and blessed to be in the presence of such greatness.

The Royal family has been gracious enough to provide guidance on the traditions and practices of the kingdom.

“This has made the experience of this matrimonial journey even more special and memorable. Suffice to say I feel truly at home,” he said.

Simile, on the other hand, dedicated all this to His Majesty and Her Majesty for sustaining the beautiful Swazi culture, Umhlanga to be specific, without which they wouldn’t have had the platform to meet. She says it was all God’s plan, noting that their Majesties are alsograteful for the union because it is due to these teachings and ways that she was able to keep herself and eventually be swept off her feet by Mwape. “I encourage all girls to attend Umhlanga and follow its ways of kutiphatsa ngendlela lecotfo. The blessings are more than you could imagine,” she said.

About darlington Mwape

 

Darlington Mumba Mwape is a third born in a family of eight. He is originally from the Lunda people of the Northern Zambia. He is a lawyer having practiced law in private firms before being appointed into public service as legal advisor to the president in 2001.

He served in that capacity for eight years before being appointed into foreign service as Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organisations in Geneva, Switzerland in 2009. He is now a businessman having established an investment firm in Zambia.

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