“I will be right next to you until the end of days.”
These were the comforting words by King Misuzulu kaZwelithini when leading the monarch and well-wishers in toasting to King Mswati III.
This was during the State banquet held at the newly opened Ezulwini Palazzo on Sunday, stretching to the morning hours of yesterday.
The event was held after Their Majesties, his guests of honour and the nation attended a successful Culture Day event at Ludzidzini Royal Residence.
Before toasting to His Majesty, King Misuzulu said he felt like crying tears of joy when thinking about the country’s monarch. He recalled several years that held historic memories for Eswatini.
The first was 1968 when the kingdom gained its independence and when His Majesty King Mswati III was born.
The Zulu king also recalled 1974, which he said was the year he was born. Further, he said he remembered the year 1978 when King Sobhuza II was still on the throne and that the year 1982 held some historic memories as the nation gathered at Prince of Wales Sports Ground in Mbabane.
ALSO READ | King commissions Starlink Gateway
Finally, King Misuzulu mentioned the year 1986 of His Majesty King Mswati III’s coronation on April 25.
“I was always close to the king. Today, I am here to congratulate His Majesty King Mswati III and the Swati nation,” stated King Misuzulu.
He further expressed utmost appreciation for all these years. He repeatedly uttered the words, “thank you, I thank God,” much to the applause of attendants.
As if to explain his repeated utterances, the Zulu king stated that experience had proved that unappreciative nations were as good as dead. In vernacular he said, “Izizwe ezingabongi zihamba endleleni yokubhujiswa.”
Furthermore, King Misuzulu said on behalf of his late parents, King Zwelithini and Queen Mantfombi, he wished his uncle, the king, a long life and prosperity to the Swati nation.
“I propose a long life, and may we have more of these events for many years to come. I will be right next to you until the end of days, Wena Waphakathi,” said King Misuzulu as he led the well-wishers in raising their glasses for a toast.
