BY KWANELE TSABEDZE
LOBAMBA – His Majesty King Mswati III has reinforced peace and strengthened the political system in the country as he blessed over 50 chiefs yesterday.
The chiefs were blessed by His Majesty at Ngabezweni Royal Residence, after first being addressed by the Queen Mother at Ludzidzini Royal Residence.
The blessing of the chiefs strengthens the Tinkhundla political system, and reduces disputes which were happening in certain chiefdoms.
The new chiefs were presented to their Majesties by senior members of their families, who were later urged by the Queen Mother to continue supporting the chiefs as they carry out their governing responsibilities for EmaSwati.
Among the chiefs who were blessed by His Majesty the King yesterday were eight chiefs who came from neighbouring South Africa.
“The country and the nation of EmaSwati does not end only in Eswatini. They are also outside, only because of certain historical events that happened,” said His Majesty the King.
Additionally, 23 chiefs came from the Shiselweni region, five from the Lubombo region, 11 from the Manzini region and 12 from the Hhohho region. His Majesty also blessed the new King of the Mamba clan, King Maloyi III, as well as some Tindvuna.
After blessing the chiefs, His Majesty reminded them to treat their subjects with dignity and respect. His Majesty also challenged the chiefs to promote respect when they return to their communities, as well as to take good care of orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVC’s) as it was in the past when no child, widow, or elderly person felt neglected because of the support which was provided by royal kraals and the community at large.
“It is good today that we are here for chiefs and royalty to be blessed. It was apparent that some communities were now exposed because when there is no one who represents the King to ensure that the King’s people are well taken care of, then it becomes difficult to live peacefully together,” said His Majesty the King.
His Majesty added that this was an overdue exercise as some communities were starting to experience divisions based on competing claims for the chiefdom or the position of indvuna.
“As they were presented today, we know that communities will experience peace as things will be clearer and the work of the community will be easier,” added His Majesty the King.
His Majesty went on to note that the new leaders had an important responsibility ahead of them as they take care of their respective communities. He also encouraged the chiefs to therefore promote respect and good health in their communities – starting with their own physical health. He also encouraged the young chiefs to join the country’s regiments in the army to promote order, respect, and good health as part of their chiefly responsibilities.
“LakaNgwane beyivele ikhona inhlonipho ingakalahleki. Wonkhe wonkhe uyahlonipha, Inkhosi iyahlonipha, Indlovukazi iyahlonipha, bantfwabenkhosi bayahlonipha, tikhulu tiyahlonipha, nesive ke sonkhe asihloniphe bekunene,” said the King in vernacular.
“As you have been appointed, you also have to respect the people because they are also of the King. Even if there are people who disagreed with you, you have to help them when they come to you now, so that we can build the nation together,” said His Majesty.
His Majesty expressed gratitude for the fact that the country was still sticking to its principles and traditions, citing that we should continue with these virtuous traditions. In concluding his address, His Majesty King Mswati III emphasised that EmaSwati should be very well taken care of, with dignity and respect.
Below is a list of the chiefs who were blessed by His Majesty King. (Pics: Courtesy of Times of Eswatini)
