NATION EXCITED ‘TO SEE’ KING
MBABANE - There might not have been a huge celebration for his special day but a picture of His Majesty King Mswati III blowing candles from his birthday cake was enough to excite emaSwati yesterday.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic which has hit hard many economies all over the world and caused deaths in many countries, the annual big celebration of His Majesty’s birthday could not be hosted.
His Majesty’s birthday was on Sunday and a holiday in honour of the special day was yesterday.
As has been the case in previous years, thousands of emaSwati and companies used various platforms to join hands and wished him a happy birthday.
But it was yesterday that much excitement was witnessed and this was after photos of him posing next to his birthday cake went viral on social platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.
It appears that the pictures removed the doubts that had engulfed many following reports by an online publication that His Majesty was not well.
Excited
Many social media users were seemingly excited at seeing him looking all healthy and happy.
The cake was a ‘fit-for-a-king’ two-tiered piece, with one decorated with purple and gold fondant as well as petal embellishments and the number 52 while he looked happy in a red and gold Arabian inspired shirt with gold embellishments and black formal pants.
The pictures were accompanied by a video where he not only blew the candles from his cake but was extra cautious in terms of adhering to the regulations set out as precautionary measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
The adherence is visibly seen as officers handling the cake wore masks and gloves. Also, there were a few individuals who got the opportunity to sing the ‘happy birthday’ for him.
The video shows less than 20 people who also kept a distance from each other.
In an interview with King’s Office Chief Officer, Chief Mgwagwa Gamedze, he said he would not dwell much on reactions on social media but that he would reiterate a statement which was communicated by government to the effect that His Majesty was well and healthy.
“I can only emphasise on what government said. His Majesty is healthy and is respecting the guidelines and precautionary measures of curbing the spread of the coronavirus.
“Even individuals who come to the royal residence are made to adhere to the precautionary measures. The safety gear is available and sanitisers are there for them to wash their hands. As emaSwati, we continue to wish His Majesty a happy birthday, Lunwele loludze wena Waphakathi!,” he said.
Last week, government was forced to issue a press statement in response to the false reports that His Majesty was not well.
In the statement, which was dated April 13, 2020 and issued by Acting Government Spokesperson Sabelo Dlamini, government said it had noted fake social media reports claiming that His Majesty King Mswati III was critically ill with COVID-19. “This is purely fake news.
His Majesty is well and in good health. Such fabrication perpetuated by elements intent on sowing confusion and panic is unacceptable and appalling.
“Government wishes to warn perpetuators of such misinformation that they are in breach of the COVID-19 regulations and risk prosecution,” it was said in the statement.
Government further advised the public to refuse to consume information that did not come from its authentic channels.
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COLANI VILAKATI
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19/05/2016 07:25:09
maphalala george
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17/05/2016 10:36:53
Xolani Simphiwe Mkhatshwa
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17/05/2016 10:22:56
Xolani Simphiwe Mkhatshwa
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17/05/2016 10:09:04
Concerned woman
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17/05/2016 10:08:05
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