Marula trees place SD on world map - King

The King was addressing members of the women’s regiment, Lutsango, at Hlane during the second phase of the Marula Festival, which ended yesterday.

He was making reference to the world award given to the Swaziland Indigenous Product on behalf of the country for its world leading role in the sustainability of women development and empowerment.

The King expressed gratitude to the multitude of Lutsango who attended the event where large amounts of marula and other agricultural products produced by the regiment were presented.

He noted that the numbers kept increasing on a yearly basis and that all regions were represented.

The King said a few people knew that in the past, Swazis used to sit under marula trees to conduct trials in communities. He said nobody knew back then that the fruit from the tree would one day be of such demand the world over.

"The trees were used to shelter courts and many a time such gatherings would be disturbed by snakes.

However, the very same trees’ products are demanded all over the world," His Majesty the King said.

He expressed pride on the fact that in various overseas countries where he has travelled to, he saw marula products branded ‘Swazi Secrets’ on sale. He said he took pride and told people that the product had in fact won Swaziland a worldwide award.

He thanked the Queen Mother for the leading role she played in women empowerment through sustainable development in Swaziland, something that resulted in the country receiving the world award. The address was directed to the about 10 000 Lutsango who braved the scorching heat on Saturday to dance in front of Their Majesties and members of the public were also in attendance.

His Majesty said he had marvelled at the well orchestrated dance moves displayed by the women. He said it was as if the thousands of women had been practicing together, yet they were from all over the country.

"The increased numbers show that this is a time to celebrate. It is really gratifying to see that you braved the scorching sun.

"Women are known to worry about their complexion but you danced all the way," he said.

King urges women to support each other

He said this after noting that some of the songs sung during the second phase of the Marula (Buganu) Festival, urged women to participate in the elections. He said in the past, women were left behind, in respect of representation after the elections. Some of the songs sung during the event were, ‘Watsi Bhuza asitsatse lokuhle emaveni ete ngasala elukhetfweni and ‘Asambe Lutsango siye elukhetfweni.’

Queen Mother thanks Lutsango

Early this year, there were reports that some marula trees had been affected by worms, creating fear that the marula trees might not be able to produce the fruit. The Ministry of Agriculture dispatched officials to attend to the situation.

The Queen Mother echoed His Majesty King Mswati III’s words about the impressive attendance by Lutsango for the second phase of the festival held at Hlane.

She wished that the arena at which the event was held would be extended to accommodate more numbers. "I would like to encourage you to continue attending the event. I heard about the diseases affecting the marula trees but you were able to collect the fruit.

 This is evident in the amount of marula you brought," she said. Lutsango presented the award received by Swaziland Indigenous Product in Brazil to Her Majesty the Queen Mother. She expressed her gratitude that the trees had placed Swaziland on the world map.

"Our marula oil has no preservatives and as a result, we have received a trophy for that. I wish that the project continues to grow in leaps and bounds.

"I would like to urge the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure that the trees are preserved. The oil produced by Swazi Secrets is in demand the world over and the challenge is that there are a few trees available," she said. The Indlovukazi urged members of Lutsango to also put to good use the marula seeds.

* Tsine siyawufela enkhosini

*Angisuye bhejane, ungihlaba kanjani

* Nayi indvodza ingishaya

Swazi Secrets receives E200 000 award in Brazil

This was disclosed by Swazi Secrets Procurement Manager, Sindile Mamba, who received the award on behalf of the Queen Mother and the company.

She said the company was awarded a certificate for outstanding performance in sustainable development using nature to empower women. She said the certificate was accompanied by US$5 000, which when converted, equated to E40 000.

Mamba also said the company received a trophy and US$20 000 for coming out tops in women empowerment.

The amount equates to about E160 000.

Mamba made a presentation to Their Majesties during the second phase of the 2013 Marula festival and a video was shown when she received the award.

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