MBABANE – The future of the African continent will not be shaped by caution or small ambitions, but by the courage to imagine what does not yet exist.
This assertion was made by His Majesty King Mswati III on Saturday night during a state dinner following the landmark opening of the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Ezulwini.
In his speech, the King delivered a powerful call to emaSwati – and the continent at large – to reject limitations, embrace bold vision and focus on transformative outcomes. His message was clear: greatness begins with a vision, but it is sustained by the determination to see that vision through to reality.
In his opening remarks, the King described the gathering as a moment of gratitude, reflection and national pride. “On this special day, we come together to bless the good work that has been done here,” he said, noting that the ICC project had its origins in the 2000s as part of the country’s broader development aspirations aligned with the Millennium Projects.
He reminded attendees that the journey to completion had been long and required patience, resilience and sustained commitment.
“This is a day where we gather following the completion of work that started years ago … today we are in 2026,” he said, underscoring the significance of reaching this milestone.
He stressed that the success of the ICC was firmly rooted in collaboration and shared vision. “When this project started, many people put their minds to it. That is why today we are here,” he explained. “It is a result of cooperation from various stakeholders.”
The King emphasised that no single individual or entity could claim sole credit, as the project was built on the collective efforts of visionaries, planners, builders and supporters who believed in its potential from the outset.
Expanding on the concept of vision, the King drew parallels with global examples of transformation and innovation.
He spoke about the importance of dreaming beyond present limitations, likening visionary leadership to the work of astronauts. “In the past few days, we have been witnessing astronauts. These are people who dream of what they can do, and it becomes extraordinary. It all comes from a vision,” he said.
This comparison reinforced his message that greatness begins with imagination and the courage to pursue bold ideas. He went on to challenge emaSwati to think beyond conventional limits, pointing to countries that have transformed harsh environments into thriving economies. “Even countries that were once deserts, with nothing, have been turned into proper nations by visionaries. They become success stories,” he said. “They take land that was once barren and turn it into beautiful artwork.”
He posed a rhetorical question that resonated throughout the speech: “If there are visionaries who can turn a desert into a success story, what can we, as Africans, do so that we can also be counted among those who do wonders and create beautiful things?”
To further illustrate his point, the King shared a detailed personal account of his visit to Nevada in the United States.
He explained that the trip was motivated not by leisure, but by a desire to learn and understand economic transformation. “When I was at the United Nations, one leader asked me where I would go after New York. I told him I would go straight to Nevada,” he recounted.
The leader assumed he intended to gamble, but the King clarified his purpose. “I told him, yes, I know there are casinos, but there is a lot one can find there. I do not have enough money to gamble,” he added humorously, “but in life you must try different things.”
However, his experience in Nevada proved far more enlightening than expected. “When I got there, I saw a lot — the infrastructure, the revenue they generate. I gave myself time to ask how they do it in order to be successful,” he said.
He described engaging directly with operators of major establishments to understand their business models. “I went to one of their facilities and asked how they make a turnover of billions. I asked what we can learn from them,” he explained.
What he discovered left a lasting impression. “One of their institutions told me that even when things are not going well, they can make two million US dollars per hour,” he revealed. “I did not continue asking more because I had already learnt that these are people we can learn from.”
He noted the reaction this figure often provokes, adding: “I see that you are equally surprised, but we can learn a lot from them even here in Eswatini.”
The King emphasised that the foundation of Nevada’s success lay in deliberate and strategic investment. “They showed me their whole programme. What they did was put proper infrastructure in place to attract the right audience and transform the town,” he said.
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King applauds Inyatsi chairman, CA for iconic ICC
EZULWINI – His Majesty King Mswati III has applauded Inyatsi Group Chairman Michelo Shakantu and Construction Associates (CA) for the completion of the iconic International Convention Centre (ICC) in Ezulwini.
This was during a state dinner held on Saturday night as part of the 40/58 double celebrations.
Construction Associates is part of the Inyatsi Group, a multinational company guided by its vision of being Africa’s leading integrated business partner.
While delivering his speech, the King asked Shakantu, whom he referred to as ‘Shabangu’, to stand as he described how he and CA came on board to work with architects, designers and other companies to ensure that the project was effectively implemented.
Calling him to stand, the King commended his leadership and dedication. “Under Shabangu’s leadership, Construction Associates was able to interpret the designs and deliver what we see today,” he said.
“Shabangu was not working alone, but with a hardworking team that did a marvellous job.”
The King also highlighted the role of the project’s architect, who he affectionately nicknamed ‘Magesane’.
“I sat down with him and shared my ideas. We discussed the design, and he understood our vision,” the King said, inviting him to stand for recognition.
He further acknowledged key figures such as Senzo Maziya, describing him as ‘one man who runs a lot’ and who worked tirelessly alongside others to bring the project to fruition.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
