In an extraordinary and symbolic turn of events, former Ngwempisi MP, Mthandeni Dube, is set to perform for Their Majesties as part of a sibhaca traditional dance team during the upcoming Correctional Day celebrations.
The former Member of Parliament (MP) currently serving a lengthy prison sentence, will be participating in the event scheduled to take place at His Majesty’s Correctional Services facility in Matsapha on Friday.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Prince Simelane, during his visit to the final rehearsals held yesterday.
According to the minister, Dube will take a front-row position in the performance, clapping and dancing in honour of the King and the Queen Mother.
Prince Simelane was reportedly impressed by the standard of preparations, describing them as befitting the dignity of Their Majesties.
The minister encouraged all Emaswati in Matsapha and surrounding areas to attend in large numbers to show support for the King and Queen Mother. He stressed that the presence of Their Majesties deserved the highest form of honour and unity from the nation.
During his visit, Prince Simelane said he had a brief but warm exchange with the former MP. He revealed that he and Dube had shared a cordial relationship during their time in Parliament, often exchanging greetings. The two reportedly spoke for about 10 minutes during the rehearsal.
The minister described Dube as being in a jovial and unashamed spirit, clapping enthusiastically and standing at the forefront of the performers.
“He seemed genuinely happy, fully engaged in the moment, as if preparing himself for the presence of the King,” the minister said.
Prince Simelane went on to share a parable, referencing the biblical story of the woman caught in adultery. He recalled reminding Dube of how Jesus had responded to the crowd who wanted to stone her, telling them that whoever was without sin should cast the first stone. “None of them did,” he said, adding, they all disappeared.
He further referenced a Siswati proverb; ‘Liphandla libhekiwe’ to illustrate that missteps could happen even to those who set out with good intentions.
The Minister said this served as a metaphor of how, in life, a man can be struck in the eye by a falling branch while merely collecting firewood.
“People do things without always knowing where they will lead,” he noted.
Prince Simelane also recalled how, in the early stages of Dube’s trial, the former MP had sent his chief and family to Their Majesties to apologise and express remorse. The minister commended the gesture, describing it as a culturally appropriate and humble act, saying “When one has gone astray, in our tradition, they seek forgiveness.”
He expressed confidence that Their Majesties would be pleased with the cultural performances, especially the sibhaca dance, which would be performed with passion and precision.
“It was beautiful to watch. Dube appeared in free spirit,” the minister quipped.
The former MP Dube, along with former Hosea MP Mduduzi Mabuza, was arrested on July 25, 2021 and later convicted on July 15, 2024. The two were sentenced to 58 years in prison after being found guilty of terrorism, sedition, and murder. The charges stemmed from their alleged role in inciting unrest during the pro-democracy protests in June 2021.
Their conviction was based on the Suppression of Terrorism Act of 2008 and the Sedition and Subversive Activities Act of 1938. Before sentencing, both men had been held in arbitrary detention for nearly two years.
