Mbabane: Amidst misleading reports that His Majesty the King Mswati III was not well and would not attend important national functions like the past Easter celebrations held annually at Lobamba National Church, he spent a quiet day on April 19 in the company of royalty and other high-profile figures and celebrated his 52nd birthday.
Quizzed on the birthday celebrations Ludzidzini Governor Lusendvo Fakudze confirmed that they had been held, albeit briefly, saying they were low key and well organized. He didn’t give the venue of the celebrations but resorted to squashing reports of His Majesty’s ill health, saying they were intent on causing anarchy and confusion in the kingdom. “Emanga achamuka esihogweni mntfwanami,” loosely translated, “Lies are from the pit of hell,” said Fakudze before thanking this reporter and hanging down. In the wake of the misleading information on the king’s health government through Government Acting Spokesperson, Sabelo Dlamini issued a press statement declaring that the King was well and in good health.
On February, 17 the King cancelled the birthday celebrations, which were to be held in the Shiselweni region this month. This was after he declared a national emergency in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. His Majesty further commanded government and Parliament to ensure that sufficient funds were made available specifically for the fight against COVID-19. His Majesty also ordered the suspension of Good Friday and Easter Services and the immediate Army Day which was to be held on Friday.
Present during the announcement made through a press conference convened by Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini were Cabinet ministers, King’s Office executives, Army Commander Jeffrey Shabalala and his delegation, Bishop Samson Hlatshwayo and senior government officials.
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