CAPE TOWN, SA — His Majesty King Mswati III has commended the South African people for their historic hospitality towards the people of Eswatini.
He noted that emaSwati are traditionally known as humble, respectful and law-abiding people, which are traits that have helped them integrate harmoniously into other societies, such as South Africa. He urged emaSwati residing in South Africa to maintain this legacy at all times.
Addressing emaSwati students during a courtesy call luncheon in Cape Town, where he was accompanied by Inkhosikati LaGija, the King expressed hope that calm and mutual understanding would prevail amid heightened anxieties sparked by the civil-led anti-immigration group, the ‘March on March’ movement.
He expressed a firm hope that South African authorities and communities would not disrupt peaceful students and documented emaSwati.
“We trust they will be able to realise that you are here as students and not disrupt your studies,” the King stated.
He commended South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, as well as the government and people of South Africa, for maintaining good relations with the Kingdom of Eswatini and other States over the years.
He added that Eswatini had received assurances from the South African president of the country’s continued commitment to relations with its regional neighbours and fellow SACU members, with whom it shares numerous common interests.
“We are members of regional trading blocs such as SACU and are currently engaged in numerous programmes aimed at developing our economies. This requires us to know each other closely and work together to achieve this goal. We need this close working relationship in order to address whatever challenges may arise,” he said.
South Africa is currently navigating a wave of intense anti-migrant mobilisation led by the ‘March on March’ campaign, which has issued an ultimatum demanding that all undocumented immigrants leave the country by tomorrow.
While the movement’s declarations lack official government backing, they have generated widespread concern across the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Present during the luncheon were members of the royal family, Foreign Affairs Minister Pholile Shakantu, Eswatini High Commissioner to South Africa Lindiwe Kunene, Chief Officer Chief Mgwagwa Gamedze and government officials, among others.
Identify liaison officer in Cape Town - King
CAPE TOWN, SA — Recognising the isolation and unique challenges faced by students living far from home, the King has called for the presence of an Eswatini liaison officer in Cape Town.
While Eswatini’s High Commission and consular offices are situated in Pretoria and Johannesburg respectively, His Majesty tasked officials with establishing a dedicated liaison presence in this city.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has been tasked with providing updates on this mandate, which will include the exact location where students and other emaSwati can easily access essential consular services, including passport-related needs.
“When problems arise, you need an office nearby,” His Majesty noted, emphasising that academic pursuits should never be derailed by administrative hurdles.
He urged the students to focus on their studies, leave a good name at their institutions of learning, and make their lecturers proud. He informed the students that he had so far received positive reports about emaSwati students, which he described as commendable.
“I hope that after my visit here and meeting you, you will go back and double your efforts,” he urged.
The King said that when they return home after attaining their degrees and postgraduate titles, they ought to be ready to deploy their global expertise towards developing Eswatini. He also noted that they should take it upon themselves to let him know of their return and what they had achieved.
... gifts students E5 000 allowance
CAPE TOWN, SA — Eleven emaSwati students studying at Cape Town universities were yesterday presented with a E5 000 allowance by His Majesty the King to help with their academic needs and upkeep.
The gift, which was met with great appreciation by the students, was announced by the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Pholile Shakantu.
The minister commended His Majesty for the appointment of a liSwati, Dumisani Masilela, to the position of Executive Secretary of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), saying it was not only historic, but an important milestone for the kingdom.
She further thanked the King for his leadership, which has led to the government according emaSwati opportunities to study in top universities outside the country, where they are gaining valuable skills essential for the nation’s development.
Speaking on behalf of the students were Namile Shongwe and Phiwayinkhosi Dlamini, who both expressed their gratitude for the scholarships and the opportunity to study at some of the best universities in the world.
The students are pursuing various courses at Stellenbosch University and the University of Cape Town (UCT). Only 11 students were present, as others were reported to have gone home for the holiday break, while some had completed their studies.
