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By Kwanele Dhladhla and Thokozani Mazibuko
At the momentous occasion of His Majesty King Mswati III’s 57th birthday celebration, which coincided with his 39 years of rule since he assumed the Throne as the youngest reigning Monarch in 1986, the King passionately thanked Emaswati for helping him lead the country through a process of national unity, peace, and inclusive development.
In his address during the celebrations convened at the King Sobhuza II Stadium in Nhlangano on Friday, the King said he was appreciative that Eswatini has made significant strides since he was entrusted to lead the nation 39 years ago, as the youngest reigning monarch globally during that period.
“You have helped me lead the country through a process of national unity, peace, and inclusive development. This has helped steer Eswatini towards remarkable progress in political, economic, and social spheres, which have been products of our Tinkhundla system of governance,” the King said, much to the applause of throngs of people who attended the festivities.
The celebrations were graced by the presence of former President of the Republic of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, former Congo President Joseph Kabila, former Botswana President Ian Khama and Her Majesty the Indlovukazi, Emakhosikati, Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, Cabinet Ministers, Ambassadors, Emabandla, Parliamentarians and Sigodlo together with members of the public.
“We do recall that back in 1986, the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stood at E1.5 billion, but today it stands at E70 billion. This has been made possible by our shared vision for growth that produced the National Development Plan (NDP) after national consultations,” the King said.
The King said the consultations, gave Eswatini direction on how to improve the economy and how to live together in harmony, guided by the national constitution adopted in 2005.
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His Majesty noted that as a result, various initiatives were born, such as the Millennium development projects that include the King Mswati III International Airport, built in what some described as ‘the middle of nowhere’, but today has a revived airline that continues to grow expediently.
The King mentioned that the construction of the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre has helped market numerous businesses that have grown from Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) status to become corporates.
His Majesty stated that infrastructure development had also made a significant contribution to Eswatini’s economic growth, which has seen towns grow into cities and shops into supermarkets and malls. The King mentioned that Eswatini’s road network was now rated among the best in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), with the tarring of feeder roads left with only about 400 km of roads.
“Inclusively, the rural electrification programme and the provision of potable water in our communities sit above 80 per cent. This is highly commendable. These essential services have enabled our people to maximise the various development schemes,” he said.
The King said this included the Regional Development Fund (RDF), the youth fund, the E44 million fund that has grown to become Finance Development Corporation (FINCORP), the farming subsidy programme, and the poverty alleviation fund, among others.
His Majesty highlighted that the introduction of elderly grants has also helped contribute to a better life for Eswatini parents, while access to free primary education for future generations has risen to above 90 per cent. The King expressed pleasure that the country has also left an indelible mark globally, where it has taken up highly significant leadership roles in various organs such as the United Nations, the African Union (AU) and SADC.
The King stated that Eswatini was recently described as one of the top ten countries recommended for tourists.
“Maswati, these are just some of the reasons we need to take stock of the milestones achieved over the 39 years and prepare to celebrate them officially when recognising 40 years of reign,” the King said.
His Majesty described peace as the bedrock of development.
“We urge you to pray for lasting peace in our nation. Peace is the best birthday gift because it underpins all progress. It is our hope that it will also spread across the globe to allow nations to focus on uplifting their people,” he said.
The King emphasised that the country needs peace to allow for focus on the nation’s transformation agenda, that underscored by the Nkwe mandate.
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“We encourage all Emaswati to support our national initiatives and inspire one another for the greater good of the country,” the King urged.
The King went on to say that he had been reminded of an African Proverb that says, “A Kingdom thrives when its people uphold their leader, just as roots strengthen a mighty tree.”
“Let us be those roots, nourishing our nation with unity, support, and a shared vision. Together, we will continue to build the Eswatini that shines as a beacon of hope and progress,” the King said.
He further thanked all those who presented gifts for the occasion.
“Your generosity reflects the love and unity that bind us as one people,” said the King in appreciation.
