from SAMBULO DLAMINI in Mbabane, Eswatini
Eswatini Bureau
MBABANE, (CAJ News) – THE dual celebration of King Mswati III in Eswatini illustrates how the monarchy, government officials and a small circle of business leaders form an elite that is an island of wealth in a sea of poverty.
Such are the disparities that a bodyguard of the king reportedly shot himself dead in front of dignitaries, apparently out of displeasure over poor working conditions affecting the uniformed forces.
While investigations into the incident on Sunday are ongoing, the continent’s last absolute monarchy is celebrating the 40-year reign of Mswati as well as his 58th birthday, dating back to April 25, 1986 and April 19, 1968 respectively.
Mswati succeeded his father, Sobhuza II, who died in 1992. A four-year regency was established while Mswati, born Makhosetive Dlamini, finished his education.
This past weekend marked the official dual commemoration under the 40/58 “Double Celebration”, with the two numbers representing the length of his reign and his age.
However, for the majority in the landlocked Southern African country known as Swaziland until 2018, there is not much to celebrate amid poverty, economic problems and repression of the populace, civil society and opposition by authorities.
The lavish festivities officially ended this past weekend, but the pomp continued into the new week.
The main ceremony was held at the Somhlolo National Stadium in Lobamba.
Numerous presidents and former leaders from the region flew in for the festivities.
Mswati reaffirmed his commitment to continue serving the nation with “humility and devotion.”
He cited inclusive development as a pillar for the country’s future.
“We have come this far together,” Mswati, who at 18 was the youngest reigning monarch in the world at the time of his coronation, said.
He assured the nation, “Together we shall continue to build a future guided by unity, strengthened by tradition and inspired by hope.”
Fellow regional leaders, inattentive to the hopelessness of the majority in the kingdom of around 1,3 million people, lavished him with praise.
Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema led the endorsement.
“He has led his Kingdom with a deep sense of love, faithfulness and continuity, qualities that not only define his reign but also offer an enduring example for the rest of the African continent to admire and emulate,” he said of the king.
The birthday marked further accumulation of wealth by the king and his wives, estimated at between 11 and 15.
The gifts he received are estimated at SZL18 million (US$1 million), plus more than 250 cattle, as companies and individuals went all out.
Some companies made significant monetary donations, some pledging over SZL1 million.
Mswati’s personal net worth is estimated to be at least $200 million, including the massive state-owned assets he controls.
The Ruby Jubilee, celebrating 40 years at the helm, was also a lavish affair.
A highlight was a “first-of-its-kind” luxury car exhibit, curated by Prince Mcwasho Dlamini at the Ezulwini Palazzo, the international convention centre launched for the festivities.
Among the vehicles exhibited were the latest versions of Aston Martin, McLaren and limited-edition Rolls-Royce.
Nigerian-born international superstar Davido was reportedly paid SZL16 million to perform.
Spectacular fireworks and drone displays lit up the Ezulwini Valley sky over the weekend to mark the king’s birthday and his reign, as well as the opening of the convention centre.
For a majority, the pomp and fanfare are a spit in the face amid poverty, unemployment and the unleashing of the state apparatus to repress citizens.
“What about healthcare, scholarships, electricity and jobs?” Lungelo Nkosi quipped.
“…and you decide to invest billions in hotels which eMaswati won’t even afford to sleep in because there are no jobs.”
Nkosi was referring to misplaced priorities, a crisis amplified by other citizens.
“Nothing to be proud of here,” Sandi Masina lambasted.
“Billions wasted at the expense of the disintegrating healthcare sector, at the expense of quality education and at the expense of totally destroying that which was once a top-rated university in Africa. What is the return to the ordinary Swazi?”
Healthcare needs priority as Eswatini has the highest HIV prevalence rate in the world, with approximately 24,8 percent to 25,9 percent of the adult population (ages 15–49) living with HIV as of 2024–2026, according to World Population Review.
Masina was referring to the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), a scene of severe unrest involving both staff and students, resulting in campus shutdowns, disruptions and strikes in recent years.
These stem from frequent cash shortages, salary deadlocks and, at times, the killing of students blamed on security forces.
Some disruptions are ongoing.
Days before the activities, some leaders and members of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) were arrested while delivering a petition to the Prime Minister’s office.
SNAT reports that Lot Vilakati, the General Secretary, was severely beaten by police and later dumped in a forest.
The National Union of Students reports that last week, a female student leader at Eswatini College of Technology was abducted and heavily tortured by police.
“A majority of the population lives in poverty while a significant amount of resources funds royal opulence,” Vusi Simelane and Samkeliso Lukhele, the students’ union president and secretary general, jointly stated.
Opposition parties remain banned.
The World Food Programme reports that Eswatini faces youth unemployment of about 58 percent. It recommends addressing persistent infrastructure gaps and an urgent need for structural reforms to strengthen private sector development.
“The extravagance displayed at the Double Celebration shows that the funds are there to solve these challenges, but these funds are only a preserve of the elite,” analyst Zakhele Thwala said.
– CAJ News