Swazi Observer

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KINGâ€™S E7M WORTH OF 51ST BIRTHDAY GIFTS

By Sabelo Majola | 2019-05-16

Hundreds of Emaswati turned in their numbers at Lozitha Palace to shower His Majesty King Mswati III with gifts for his 51st birthday.

The Resource Mobilisation Committee chaired by Eswatini Sugar Association CEO Dr Phil Mnisi delivered to the King gifts both in cash and in kind worth E6.8 million.

What was striking about the colourful event is that not only the committee presented the gifts, but individuals and corporates had the chance to meet His Majesty the King to personally hand over their gifts.

A total of E3.5 million was in cash whilst the balance was in kind in the form of beasts and various items fit for the King.

The event commenced with the gift presenters turning up at the palace to register their gifts early in the day at around 2pm.

At around 7:40pm, His Majesty the King who was joined by Her Majesty the Indlovukazi, Emakhosikati, members of the royal family and Cabinet ministers arrived to mark the official presentation of gifts.

King’s Office Chief Officer Chief Mgwagwa Gamedze moderated the event.

Cheque

Eswatini sugar industry contributed the biggest cheque of E1.3 million whilst Hhohho chiefs (boBabe Tikhulu takaHhohho) contributed 66 head of cattle. In all over 100 cattle were presented to the King and Indlovukazi by the different entities and individuals, including Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini and his Cabinet, parliamentarians, security forces, Liqoqo and multiple companies and organisations. Gamedze then announced that Tibiyo TakaNgwane board was behind the financing of the event to make it the glitz and glamour that it was and they also slaughtered a beast for the nation to feast on.

Other big gift presenters included Eswatini MTN, who donated E0.5 million, Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF) parted with E300 000 and Royal Swazi Spa handed over E264 000.

Gifts

Among the gifts, PM and Cabinet ministers presented the King with five latest 65 inch TV sets whilst others presented portraits, jewellery and even clothing.

The King celebrated his 51st birthday at Buhleni Royal Residence on April 26 and he was joined by the President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz and Republic of China on Taiwan Special Envoy (Foreign Affairs Minister) Joseph Wu, who was a representative of the president, among other dignitaries.

Others included South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma.

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