I have a vague memory of attending the King’s coronation at Somhlolo National Stadium in 1986.
I was a tiny seven-year-old girl (only because my birthday falls in December), and I remember being amazed by the sheer number of people present at the event.
In fact, that was the first time it dawned on me that the then Swaziland had so many people. The largest crowds I had ever seen before were at my former primary school, Mqolo, or occasionally when my father took us to watch what was then great football in the country.
I was excited that the country would finally have a king. I was even more amazed that such a young person — Prince Makhosetive — would be able to rule so many people.
In his maiden speech, I remember His Majesty King Mswati III devoting himself to serving the then nearly 600 000 citizens and committing to bettering the lives of Emaswati.
“I have pledged myself to your service and throughout my life, with all my heart, I will try to be worthy of your trust,” the King said in his first royal speech.
Looking at him from a distance, young as I was, I felt both sorry and excited for him. At the age of 18, he could not have known the magnitude of what lay ahead.
Yet here we are, 40 years later — a thriving nation with, hopefully, greater things still to come.
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Over the years, many have listened to the King’s speeches. Some pessimists argue that he recycles his messages.
I would beg to differ.
If something is constantly drummed into you, eventually you adopt that mindset. Over the years, the King has consistently emphasised peace in this country. Compared to many nations globally, we have largely achieved that.
Few would have imagined that the country would maintain such a strong stance on culture and tradition. Yet today, it seems that this has been upheld.
There was a time when donning emahiya was frowned upon by some ordinary citizens.
I remember that when my high school mates of royal lineage wore emahiya, some would say they were acting ‘haughtier than thou’.
At St Michael’s, we would jokingly say “sebenta lobu Nkho”, implying that the Dlaminis were acting better than the rest of us.
Many once tried to make cultural attire seem unlikeable. Among men, one would hear teasing phrases like “ngulomfana wemajobo”, as if wearing traditional attire made one lesser.
However, His Majesty has placed Eswatini firmly on the global map by proudly wearing his imvunulo, even when alighting from jets in first-world countries.
There is something uniquely powerful about that image.
I have since realised that when travelling internationally, we should never leave our lihiya behind. It is distinctive, eye-catching and unmistakably ours.
However, the King cannot work alone.
Each of us must play our part, particularly in fighting corruption.
This country would be far ahead if we all listened and steered clear of corrupt practices — especially within government structures.
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It is embarrassing for the King to attend sod-cutting ceremonies only for projects to collapse halfway because someone somewhere helped themselves to funds meant to improve infrastructure.
There have been many roads directed for construction, yet funds disappear as individuals enrich themselves.
As the country prepares to celebrate the King’s 40-year reign alongside his birthday, there is already concern that some may seek to exploit allocated budgets.
During procurement, a can of Coca-Cola could be invoiced at E100. A chicken drumstick at E55. Bottled water at E80.
This must stop.
Let us ensure public funds are used responsibly and transparently.
In his closing remarks at the year’s opening prayer on Saturday, the King expressed his vision for the next 40 years, urging the nation to remain united in faith and committed to truth.
Only through these virtues, he said, will the country flourish — free from corruption, deceit and falsehood.
Until next week, do not forget to be kind.
