CAPE TOWN, SA — His Majesty King Mswati III has commended the South African people for their historic hospitality towards the people of Eswatini.
He noted that emaSwati are traditionally known as a humble, respectful and law-abiding people, which are traits that have helped them integrate harmoniously into other societies, such as South Africa. He urged emaSwati residing in South Africa to maintain this legacy at all times.
Addressing emaSwati students during a courtesy call luncheon in Cape Town, where he was accompanied by Inkhosikati laGija, the King expressed hope that calm and mutual understanding would prevail amidst heightened anxieties sparked by the civil-led anti-immigration group, the “March on March” movement.
He expressed a firm hope that South African authorities and communities would not disrupt peaceful students and documented emaSwati. “We trust they will be able to realise that you are here as students and not disrupt your studies,” the King stated.
He commended South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, as well as the government and people of South Africa, for maintaining good relations with the Kingdom of Eswatini and other states over the years. He added that Eswatini had received assurances from the South African President of the country’s continued commitment to relations with its regional neighbours and fellow SACU members, with whom it shares numerous common interests.
“We are members of regional trading blocs such as SACU and are currently engaged in numerous programmes aimed at developing our economies. This requires of us to know each other closely and work together to achieve this goal. We need this close working relationship in order to address whatever challenges may arise,” he said.
South Africa is currently navigating a wave of intense anti-migrant mobilisation led by the “March on March” campaign, which has issued an ultimatum demanding that all undocumented immigrants leave the country by 30 June 2026. While the movement’s declarations lack official government backing, they have generated widespread concern across the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Present during the luncheon were members of the royal family, Foreign Affairs Minister Pholile Shakantu, Eswatini High Commissioner to South Africa Lindiwe Kunene, Chief Officer Chief Mgwagwa Gamedze and government officials, among others.
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