BY KWANELE TSABEDZE
MATSAPHA – His Majesty King Mswati III is continue with building relationships.
The King’s most recent diplomatic engagement was when he formally welcomed the Ambassador of Tanzania to Eswatini, Phaustine Martin Kasike, and received his letters of credence at the Lozitha Royal House yesterday.
Among other developments to bring the two countries closer, Ambassador Kasike offered Tanzania’s support in introducing Swahili to the University of Eswatini (UNESWA).
“There is a need for our two countries to work together to promote collaboration in investment and trade, which are vital to economic development. In that regard, kiSwahili language is a potential area as the language is now widely spoken in sub-Saharan Africa, and it is among the ten most widely spoken languages in the world, with more than 500 million speakers,” said Kasike.
“It is therefore the intention of our High Commission to discuss with the University of Eswatini to establish the teaching of kiSwahili language to facilitate trade and other economic activities,” said Kasike.
His Majesty the King welcomed the gesture by Tanzania with enthusiasm when he accepted Ambassador Kasike’s letters of credence.
“I am delighted to receive the letters of credence by which Her Excellency accredits you as the High Commissioner here in the Kingdom of Eswatini. I know that Swahili is one of the languages we have recognised regionally, and of course is now spoken in many places. So, I think that this is a good idea, to approach not only the university, but to see whether we cannot go to the primary and high schools,” said His Majesty, citing that the earlier the learning begins, the better.
His Majesty the King added that emaSwati learning Swahili will help the country interface better with Central and East African countries under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
