TRIBUTE TO PRINCE SOBANDLA

 My dear uncle is gone.  I loved him; the people’s Prince and all-round good human being. His passing means that all the scholastic debates and his eloquent delivery are also gone. All I am left with are the memories of him which shall be forever engraved in the warm recesses of my heart.

Sobandla - the Prince with a supercharged spirit who oozed confidence and unmatched charisma. He was enthusiastic and of cheerful disposition, and he always made his point in a jocular or jovial manner. I have no doubt in my mind that history and posterity will judge him fairly.
The late Dokotela Sobandla was no ordinary man. His vast political acumen and experience was impeccable, and still rings even today years after he exited mainstream national politics.

It was during his era, at the helm of the ministry that housed sports back then, when our national football team Sihlangu Semnikati was on song and recorded victories during international matches, especially against opponents from the SADC region – to mention but one achievement.
The intellect of this great son of the legendary King Sobhuza II was way beyond par. He had a unique way of stimulating thought-provoking discussions which were an oasis of knowledge and wisdom.

His friends who can be found in all corners of the globe will surely would have loved to come to personally give him a fitting send-off but, being the Royal that he was and with the sacred Incwala ceremony in full swing, that will sadly not be possible. He will be buried soonest.

Bible

He was a Bible scholar too.

Prince Sobandla was an avid reader of the Holy Bible, from Genesis chapter 1 to Revelations chapter 22. He would meticulously quote scripture and he was always spot on.  A session with him would never be complete without him giving a testimony about the goodness of Jesus Christ. He would time and again remind all who cared that the Holy book should never depart from our hearts, minds and tongues.

One minute he would chastise one who seemed to be straying, and the next he would be the picture of joviality and crack jokes. I still remember vividly one incident when I paid him a routine courtesy visit and he yelled, “Ye Mshana sewatikhandza umkhulu lokungeti kutongivusela sewucabanga kutsi uyini?Ungabokutayela lokubi lokuhle kukhona”. That was Prince So-B for you.

The Prince also took great pride in our culture and customs. On most occasions he was clad in traditional wear, and he always looked good in it. He was a fully-fledged member of the Inyatsi ya Mswati regiment and regimental name was Mcekaceka. The Prince for all our people was also affectionately referred to as Majoboenkanyamba/Majoboesilwane. Prince Sobandla exhibited a  bubbly character and he was always full of life and energy.
When it came to dancing and singing traditional songs, he would ooze great confidence as he did both colourfully.

His famous rallying call ‘Amanzi!’ will forever ring in the minds of many in the regimental enclosures. Bekalichalachala wenkhosi and he would tease others by quipping, “Niyibhimbelani lengoma...awubuki ngani lakimi nawungati” or “Vula lomlomo uhlabele uyekele kubindza”.

The King and the rest of the regiments always wore broad smiles whenever the energetic Mcekaceka was present at the Incwala ceremony or the Royal Hunt, Butimba. His jovial nature would bring uncontrollable laughter and humour - Bujaha nemdlonga wakhe were unparalleled and unmatched. Prince Sobandla was not a saint.
Just like the rest of mankind he had his fair share of frailties and mistakes. One virtue I admired about him was his strong, bold and frank character.

embraced

He embraced both modern and traditional ways of life. He would proudly say “Ye Mshana silumbi ngiyasati nesintfu (SiSwati) ngeke ungitjele, tsatsa laku Sobandla loku lengikutjela kona kumile ngeke kushintje futsi”.

He might have left but what an imprint his footsteps have left in some of our hearts. I am grateful to God that such a man lived in our time and I happened to be part of his life. Seashells and leaves shedding remind us that every passing life leaves something beautiful behind. He was a good example for some of us to follow and to be persuaded about the things we love, to live in the moment and live life to the fullest. The greatest gift is not found in a life of glitz and glamour but in the heart of a true and a genuine person.

As I struggle to come to terms with his departure, I cannot be faulted for saying good things never last. Indeed, the value of water is felt when the nearest dam runs dry. Lala ngekutfula Msa waHhili! Heavens are rejoicing as they welcome one of their own in Prince Sobandla. You shall be forever engraved in our hearts.

By Umshana Manqoba

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