Stories by Bahle Gama
His Majesty King Mswati III says the gifts presented at the Incwala ceremony indicate that the country’s economy is growing.
The King said this during the fifth day of the ongoing Incwala ceremony at Engabezweni Royal Residence on Thursday night, during which companies, government entities, and individuals presented over E21.8 million in gifts and cattle to His Majesty.
Making his remarks, the King extended appreciation to everyone who participated further observing the growth in numbers. He stated that despite the ceremony being in its early stage, it seemed like it was the big Incwala because of how emaSwati had decided to participate in this cultural activity.
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His Majesty further noted that over the years, the gifts continue to grow as well, reiterating the growth in the economy.”
“With each year, tetfulo continue to grow. Seeing such gives courage because it is a sign that the economy in the country is growing. Because when people have that which they can give back it means that where it’s coming from, it’s not empty, which means the country will continue to stand and thrive,” the King said.
His Majesty highlighted that looking back on where Incwala emanates from, no one ever thought there would be gifts worth over E21 million presented towards the ceremony and in the process, ensuring its sustainability.
The King said what is of utmost importance is that companies in the country are aware of the role they play in society regarding giving back.
“Ikakhulu ngoba tinkapani letikhona lapha Eswatini tiyati kutsi kumele tihlehle ngoba ngekwetfula, kuhlehla kona loko,” he said.
According to the King, even those that lead in the various companies and businesses, whilst at work, when the time comes, will know to contribute towards the well-being of libutfo that is participating in the Incwala ceremony.
“Umsebenti lomuhle wekutsi naniwenta kubonakale kutsi nakutsiwa lijaha sisu kusuke kushiwo kutsi cha, kuyaphekwa ngabogalaza kuyatfululwa kuze sive sitowesutsa nine bekunene,” His Majesty said.
Furthermore, His Majesty acknowledged the attendance of regiments in terms of Sihlangu, tingaja, lutsango, imbali, and the media as well, whom he said formed part of the proceedings and without all, the ceremony would not be a success, let alone exist.
The King said with the prayers, optimism grows in that there is a surplus in the country as the rain will water all parts of the country for a greater harvest. Therefore, even next year, tetfulo will grow even more as has been the case this year.
“Sitsi kukokonkhe lenikwentile, sekuyawubonga emadloti naNkulunkulu, Siyabonga, kwandze lapho nitsetsekhona bekunene” the King concluded.
Some of the gifts from organisations
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With many companies having brought gifts on the day, the Minister of Home Affairs presented the items before His Majesty. She further disclosed that the Republic of China in Taiwan presented items worth over E12 million.
She disclosed that Taiwan bought over 10 sneakers and 8,000 bags to be used by libutfo and ingaja during kushuca for Lusekwane. These items she said were valued at E12.1 million (US$666,000).
Meanwhile, Inyatsi Group Holdings presented E1 million, E800,000 in cash and E200,000 worth of water for libutfo.
Others included government entities like the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM), Eswatini Water Service Corporation (EWSC), MTN Eswatini, Standard Bank, FNB Eswatini, and Eswatini Bank amongst others.