SACRED TREE WORTH MILLIONS

MBABANE – Residents of Mafutseni have learnt, over the years, that a sacred tree within their community is regarded as a national symbol because King Sobhuza II used to rest under it.
As a result, numerous feasibility studies for public projects, which recommended its removal, have not been adhered to.

One of these projects was the relocation of the Puma Filling station, at a cost of E8 million. However, the new structure which, now houses the filling station, is valued at E14 million.
Prior to this construction project, the Mafutseni Police station was built – and still, the sacred tree was not touched. Currently, a flyover bridge, which is part of the road that leads to the King Mswati III International Airport in Sikhuphe is being built.

The total cost of the road project, inclusive of the flyover bridge, is estimated at around E880 million.  The ongoing projects are constructed by Inyatsi Construction.
Chief Ngalonkulu confirmed knowledge of the said tree. He spoke to this publication in two interviews.

The traditional leader confirmed that the tree was an important symbol for the Swazi nation because King Sobhuza II rested under it. This was during the first interview, when he requested that he be given more time to gather facts on the matter.

In the second interview, which was done a week later, he started by clarifying that the tree was not the King’s meeting place but where His Majesty used to rest. “I could not get more information about the tree because the person I trusted to enlighten me on it is in hospital. However, like I said, I know King Sobhuza II used to rest under the tree. He did not hold meetings there as some people say,” explained the chief.

When he was called for comment for the second interview, he said he was actually next to the tree. He further said his observation was that the tree would soon die because it was very close to the new Manzini-Mbadlane road and some of its roots were exposed by the construction vehicles. “I do not want to commit myself regarding whether the tree has affected any developmental projects because that is not my field. It is for engineers to discuss.”

Christopher Gamedze, Mafutseni Member of Parliament (MP), also confirmed that he knew the tree. He termed it a national symbol. The legislator said he did not have enough information because he was still young when he learned of the importance of the tree.

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