Mbabane: His Majesty King Mswati III has called for Sibaya, which is slated for this coming Friday, July 16, 2021, at the Ludzidzini Royal Residence.
The King made the call for Sibaya through Indvuna Themba Ginindza in a press conference held at Ludzidzini Royal Residence on Tuesday.
Sibaya is regarded as the people parliament and it is a place where emaSwati are given the floor to express their views. Sibaya was last held in 2018 which was marked by the king announcing the late Ambrose Mandvulo Damini as prime minister of the country.
The King said all emaSwati should be seated inside the cattle byre by 10am. The King said the Sibaya proceedings would be broadcast live so that those who could not make it to the venue could follow from the comfort of their homesteads through all media channels.
He emphasized that those who would be following the proceedings through the media channels should listen attentively to what would be said.
The calling of Sibaya comes at a time when the country has been faced with political unrest and protests across the country. The country is also facing an increasing number of positive covid-19 cases and in a bid to curb the spread governed banned mass gatherings and implemented a curfew which is aimed at restricting movement.
Ginindza announcing the Sibaya highlighted that Emasati who will attend the Sibaya would be tested for COVID-19, saying health practitioners will start work at 7am to ensure that all people are tested for the virus. He mentioned that tags would be provided to make sure that only those who tested entered the cattle byre. He encouraged the nation to take the necessary precautions should they test positive for the virus.
It is highly anticipated that the king is expected to address the nation on the ongoing pro-democracy protests which culminated in violence, looting, and destruction of property.
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