ESWATINI 50th Double Celebrations Edition
His Majesty King Mswati III Foreword Your Majesty the Indlovukazi, Your Excellency, President Tsai of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and your Distinguished Delegation, Your Excellency, Vice President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Emakhosikati, Your Royal Highnesses, Prime Minister, Councillors, Chiefs, Deputy Prime Minister, Chief Justice, Cabinet Ministers, Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Presiding Officers and Members of both Houses of Parliament, Distinguished Delegations from the Republics of China (Taiwan) and Equatorial Guinea, Regional Administrator for the Manzini Region, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen. Siyanivusela Nonkhe Bekunene Lapha Kamanzini.
Throughout these years Taiwan has made an
of the celebration at stadiums in the other
immense contribution to the development of our
regions to ensure that nobody is left out due to
Kingdom in various sectors.
the lack of space at this venue, since this is a great milestone in our history.
This includes the international convention centre, the science park at Nokwane, the rural
We also welcome the viewers from across Africa
electrification programme, human resource
who have tuned in to television, as well as the
development that has yielded doctors for this
listeners following proceedings on our national
country and development of our health facilities,
radio.
to mention but a few.
We are proud to be joined by her Excellency
Your Excellency we also wish to congratulate
Introduction
President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and
you for your contribution to the development of
It is a great honour for me to welcome you all to
her distinguished delegation, on this historic day
Taiwan. Your leadership acumen has enhanced
the mavuso exhibition and trade centre stadium
for the Kingdom of eSwatini and her people.
peace and stability as well as improved the living
for the King’s 50th birthday and independence golden jubilee celebrations.
2
We applaud the efforts to provide live screening
The presence of the President is highly significant for our two countries as it marks 50
standards of your people. This is a remarkable achievement.
We welcome the entire nation to this occasion
years of healthy diplomatic relations between
As a country that aspires to reach first world
and those who have travelled from far and wide
the Kingdom of eSwatini and the Republic of
status, we look forward to learning a lot from
to be with us here today.
China (Taiwan).
Taiwan that has already achieved developed
Best of eSwatini
Our cultural heritage has continued to be the core fabric of our nationhood. It binds us together. The cultural values, which are aligned to christian principles, define our identity and it is gratifying to note that we have not lost sight of who we are, by successfully blending tradition with modernity.
Attaining independence We take this opportunity to acknowledge our predecessors, who led this resilient nation towards independence and did so peacefully. The wise leadership of King Sobhuza II helped lay a firm foundation upon which we have built the successful nation we have today. We owe it to the future generations to jealously guard our independence and the peace we enjoy, which allows undisrupted progress in our quest to attain the aspirations of our national vision 2022.
Year of golden jubilee As proclaimed in the holy bible the almighty God has blessed us with a year of jubilee, which is a year of restoration and liberty - a year of pardon aimed at enhancing our peace. Peace has become an elusive commodity across the globe, but we are proud to count it as one of the most significant milestones of the 50 years since independence. Because of this, the Kingdom of eSwatini is internationally renowned as a haven for peace, harmony and stability. We applaud Emaswati for fully embracing the philosophy of solving their differences in a peaceful manner. Differing viewpoints will always emerge in any society which makes it important to provide forums, such as Sibaya, that accommodates diverse views.
status. It is one of the leading countries in
Gods guidance and protection
innovation and ict, with top class science parks.
As we gather here today to reflect on our
It is through Sibaya, the ultimate decision
milestones, we first have to give thanks to
making body of the land, that our Tinkhundla
the almighty God for showering us with His
governance system was developed.
It is for this reason that we believe Taiwan has a lot to offer to the global community and deserves a place as a full member of the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organisation (who).
blessings in good times and for His protection and guidance during challenging times.
Great strides have been made using Tinkhundla that
embraces
grassroots
participation
Our national motto is to put God first in
in support of the monarchy to formulate
everything that we do; He is our source of life.
government.
and lobbying for the inclusive participation of
We thank Emaswati for remaining steadfast in
The monarch rules by consensus and it is
Taiwan within the international community.
upholding the christian values that were passed
through the national consultations that have
on to us by God in a vision to King Somhlolo.
guided our development policies, legislation
This has proven to be the key ingredient to our
and social cohesion. This is our monarchical
Your Excellency, we wish to reiterate our support
We are also pleased that in our midst we have the Vice President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.
peaceful development.
democracy.
We applaud the very cordial relations that
Preservation of culture
We applaud all the hard working men and
happily exist between our two countries. Our
Complementing these principles has been the
women, whose loyalty and dedication to duty
bilateral cooperation continues to make a
dedication and commitment by Emaswati to
- supported by a committed nation united in
positive contribution to the development of the
preserving the cultural norms and traditions that
common purpose - has ensured that we get to
two countries in various sectors.
we inherited from our forebears.
celebrate our successes as a collective.
Best of eSwatini
3
Significant milestones
In addition, we applaud the country’s ability
Our country now boasts an airport of high
Maswati, you deserve to stand proud of turning
to ensure that over 97% of our children have
international standards. Soon, we will also be
the tide during all times of difficulties we have
access to education through the introduction
in a position to offer an international convention
gone through as a nation.
of free primary education. Communities have
centre and hotel, thus placing us as one of the
also come on board in assisting government
most conducive locations for investment in sub-
to build the necessary schools. This is highly
saharan Africa.
Our goal as Emaswati is to stand together and confront any problem head-on has taken us thus far. Let us continue to work as a nation in order to contribute to the sustainable development of
We have seen a remarkable improvement
our nation.
in the access to water and electricity in rural
Contribution to global initiatives Maswati, despite being a small country, we are proud to say we not only enjoy harmonious
communities resulting in over 90% of our people
relations with countries of the world, at
enjoying these essential commodities. The
the
country is now ranked third among the southern
African Union (AU) and the Southern African
African power pool members, in terms of giving
Development Community (sadc) and (sacu),
our people access to electricity.
but play an impactful role in these organisations.
Our food self sustainability initiatives have been
The country has been recognised internationally
success in the eradication of malaria, which led
up-scaled to subsidy level. This has improved
for our role in women empowerment and we are
to the country assuming chairmanship of the
the yield per hectare and brought us closer to
now among the top ten in the world on child
African Leaders Malaria Alliance (alma). Let us
our targets.
protection, among others. We have done well
maintain this record for the next 50 years.
We have also been able to provide several
Our investment in infrastructure development is
empowerment initiatives that have made a
really paying off. We now have a high quality
significant contribution to poverty alleviation.
road network that is at par with the best in the
These include, but not limited to, providing
region, continent and the world at large.
resources for the regional development fund,
We have also been able to provide greater
phalala fund, youth enterprise fund and the
access to health facilities with our hospitals and
orphaned and vulnerable children education
clinics to ensure we have a healthy nation.
fund.
Government has continued to provide resources
The
so that Emaswati have health facilities closer
investment in the Royal Science and Technology
Task for the future
to their communities. However we still have a
Park (rstp), which is expected to promote
A lot of work still lies ahead of us but it is important
challenge to provide specialised medical care to
innovation and entrepreneurship among the
to document and use these successes to propel
our people.
youth.
us to greater heights.
We have put structures to fight hiv/aids. The disease had begun to erode all the gains in human capital investment by reducing life expectancy and placing a heavy burden on our social structures. We also congratulate you for achieving great
4
commendable.
Best of eSwatini
United
Nations,
Commonwealth,
the
on several of the Sustainable Development Goals (sdgs). We applaud the cooperation that has been forged with our bilateral and development partners who have made a tremendous contribution to the achievements we are celebrating today. To all of them we wish to say thank you very much. Please pass our acknowledgement to your respective government and organisations.
country
has
also
made
significant
Our economy needs each and every citizen to put shoulder to the wheel, so as to grind out the much needed impetus towards meeting national obligations. We must continue to prioritise health, education, agriculture,
technology,
job
creation
and
empowerment of women and children, among several other poverty alleviation initiatives, as we seek to realise the aspirations of “vision 2022”.
National elections The journey to the next 50 years begins with our active participation in the upcoming national elections. Go out there and be counted as having contributed to future milestones by electing credible men and women who will carry the baton forward.
Conclusion Maswati, I thank you for continuously blessing me with the gift of peace every year and I could ask for nothing more in the years to come.
Tsine singemaswati! Therefore, I have the
We congratulate and urge you to continue with
pleasure to present to you, on this historic day,
your good work and to leave a noble legacy for
a new name for the Kingdom. Our country will
the future generation to emulate.
now be called; “Kingdom of eSwatini”.
The names will be announced to the public
Medals of honour
Gift to eSwatini
Today we would also like to recognise and
As we are aware, the name Swaziland was
confer national honours on some citizens, as
inherited from the British. If we are to give true
well as friends of the Kingdom, who have played
meaning to our independence, time has come
a pivotal role in the development of this country.
to give our country a name of its people.
The milestones of peace, stability, and economic
It must be said that this process is long overdue,
development would not have been possible
particularly if you consider how other countries
without their loyalty, dedication, hard work and
in the region localised their names soon after
support towards raising the living standards of
independence.
our people.
shortly. At this juncture we say well done to all those who made this day a great success. The various contributions, including gifts, from all sectors of society and individuals is highly appreciated. I wish to conclude by saying; this is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Happy 50 / 50 maswati lamahle!
I thank you, may the almighty God bless us all!
Best of eSwatini
5
BEST OF ESWATINI
volume 1, introduction
‘Best of eSwatini’ is a celebration of this beautiful independent Kingdom nestled between South Africa and Mozambique, known for its warmth and friendliness to all who visit. There is an indelible hope for the future evident amongst
This compilation of imagery and editorial in the high-
the Swazi nation. The influence and tradition of the Swazi
quality design of the ‘Best of’ Series, aptly captures the
Royal Family is an integral part of presenting a complete
essence of Swaziland. This small country is diverse in its
picture of the Swazi Kingdom. This rich cultural heritage
offerings of natural resources, which range from asbestos,
allows an insight into where Swaziland has come from,
coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forestry, as well as
the vision of the country, as well as its beliefs and values.
small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone, and talc.
Our aim is to showcase Swaziland to Africa and ultimately
As His Majesty King Mswati III and the Swazi nation
the world. This publication is the go-to publication for
celebrate the 50/50 Double Celebrations ‘Best of eSwatini’
anyone interested in the country and offers a succinct
offers a visual celebration of His Majesty’s and Swaziland’s
guide to both business and leisure offerings. By featuring some of the best companies, entrepreneurs and business leaders, a clear picture of the very best of eSwatini is beautifully presented. The publication’s emphasis is on actively introducing the leaders in Swazi business, products and services. It activates and facilitates conversations and transactions that lead to new client acquisitions and improved revenue for participants. The ultimate goal is branding Swaziland for investment and showcasing its unique culture and heritage. ‘Best of eSwatini’ is aimed not only at high-profile business
achievements and successes over the past 50 years. It captures the historical journey of this land and its people, and offers a glimpse into the country’s past and future. Our sincere thanks must go to the participants showcased in our very first edition; and most notably our Platinum Sponsor Kirsh Holdings; representing the ‘Best of’ in their respective fields and all having contributed immensely to Swaziland’s economic health and development. We profile these individuals, companies and organisations in a celebration of their success - promoting Swaziland / eSwatini throughout Africa and the world.
leaders and potential investors but also the people of Swaziland. This legacy project is a compilation of all that
Headspace would also like to thank the Ministries of
the country can be proud of and shares all its success
ICT and Home Affairs for this golden opportunity and in
stories on a lasting global platform.
tirelessly working with us to make this National Legacy Project a success. Our appreciation also goes to the
The ‘Best of eSwatini’ crisply profiles leadership, leading
Swaziland Tourism Authority and National Archives for the
companies, icons and innovators within their genre. Global
photographs and information used throughout.
Village celebrates the success of countries, individuals and companies with our ‘good news’ editorial and pictorial
We trust that you will be enriched by ‘Best of eSwatini:
imagery in the highest quality print format available.
Volume 1’.
Best of eSwatini
9
CREDITS Best of eSwatini Publishing Partner and Editorial Contributions
Headspace – Sifiso Maseko Email: sifiso@gvpedia.com / cyfiso56@gmail.com Cell: +268 7658 4736 or +2760 504 2880
International Group Publisher
Sven Boermeester
Proudly African Group Publisher
Thapelo Letsholo
Project Manager, Production and African Group Publisher
Gia Bischofberger
Production and Publishing House
GVPedia Communications cc
Sales and Marketing
Sifiso Maseko and Gcebile Ndlovu
Editorial and Imagery Contributions
The Kingdom of Swaziland
Creative Direction
Susan Heiman, iMedi8 Creative
Contact Details
GVPedia Communications cc P.O. Box 5289, Dainfern North, 2174 Fax: +27 86 586 1999 Email: gia@gvpedia.com www.GlobalVillage.world www.ProudlyAfrican.info
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in ‘Best of eSwatini’ vol.1. Neither ‘Best of eSwatini’, Headspace, nor GVPedia Communications cc assume any responsibility for errors, omissions or submissions by participators. The editor reserves the right to amend and alter copy and visual material as deemed necessary. All rights reserved: No part of this publication shall be reproduced, copied, transmitted, adapted or modified in any form or by any means. This publication shall not be stored in whole or in part in any form in any retrieval system.
Sven Boermeester
Thapelo Letsholo
Gia Bischofberger
Sifiso Maseko
Best of eSwatini
11
Foreword From His excellency THe Prime minisTer oF swaziland,
dr. sibusiso barnabas dlamini
12
Best of eSwatini
It is with great honour that I welcome the inaugural publication of ‘Best of eSwatini’ to our Kingdom. ‘Best of eSwatini’ Volume 1 delves into all that the southern African nation has to offer – exploring opportunities for investment and entrepreneurship. This impressive “coffee-table” publication is filled with pertinent
With open borders, Swaziland enjoys membership in a number of
information relating to all matters of this compact Kingdom with
advantageous geographical unions and associations, including
big heart – including leisure and tourism, history and heritage,
SACU (the Southern African Customs Union) and SADC (the
people and culture, as well as vital business and investment
Southern African Development Community) – both of which
information. This is all depicted through high-quality photographic
constitute populations of approximately 277 million.
imagery highlighting the magnificence of Swaziland at her best. ‘Best of eSwatini’ is not just capturing history, but sharing with
This bold and colourful publication of ‘Best of eSwatini’ reflects
the world the great strides Swaziland is taking into our collective
the lives and livelihoods of the Swazi people. The country
future.
is embracing leisure and business visitors alike and is open for business and investment. The potential for investment in
The ‘Best of’ series has established itself throughout the African
Swaziland has always been evident, but the country is now ready
continent and across the world – and Swaziland is now proud
for a new tide of development and progress.
to join many other progressive African nations under the Proudly African umbrella. This showcase will allow a Swazi presence
Whether you are a businessperson, an executive, a leisure
at investment and tourism events worldwide and places us on
or adventure traveller, or simply interested in the fascinating
the bookshelves and coffee tables of global players in industry,
Kingdom of Swaziland – I invite you to envelope yourselves in the
commerce and leisure.
vibrant pages of ‘Best of eSwatini’ that follow.
Swaziland’s unique appeal lies in our positioning cradled between
I welcome you to admire the natural beauty of our land, our
South Africa and Mozambique – two nations with heritage deeply
achievements, and our resourceful people. This is Swaziland’s
entrenched in trade. This fertile Kingdom is also one of the last
time in the sun; this is our story; a showcase of Swazi
remaining Monarchies in Africa – and our people hold traditional
developments in business, industry, agribusiness and tourism on
culture close to their hearts.
a global stage.
The country is bestowed with breathtaking natural heritage
We look forward to welcoming you to Swaziland.
and a number of resources. Our pristine mountains and valleys
are
ideal
for
leisure
and
adventure
travellers.
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Swaziland
But with a focus on economic expansion, Swaziland is now opening its doors to further trade and investment.
Dr. Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini
Best of eSwatini
13
Chapter 4
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Chapter 6
68 Chapter 2
TRAVEL, TOURS AND LEISURE
Best of eSwatini
ARTS and CRAFTS
128
Chapter 3 116 Chapter 5 14
PHILANTROPHY AND ICONS OF SWAZILAND
108
ROYAL FAMILY and CHIEFTAINSHIP
86
Chapter 1
38
contents
TRADE AND INVESTMENT
164 Chapter 8
Chapter 9
CORPORATE PROFILES AND CSR
184 Chapter 10
156 Chapter 7
FINANCIAL SERVICES
176
education
PLANTATIONS AND FORESTRY
Best of eSwatini
15
swaziland at a Glance Full Name: Capital: Motto: National Anthem: King:
Kingdom of Swaziland Lobamba (royal / legislative) Mbabane (administrative) “Siyinqaba” (Swati) – “We are a fortress”, “We are a mystery/riddle”, “We hide ourselves away” Nkulunkulu Mnikati wetibusiso temaSwati – “Oh God, Bestower of the Blessings of the Swazi” King Mswati III (Rules with his mother/ “Ndlovukati” – Ntfombi Tfwala)
Prime Minister:
Sibusiso Dlamini
Independance:
6 September 1968
Area:
17,364 km²
Regions:
Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini and Shiselweni
Population:
1,093,238 (2017 est)
Language:
Swazi and English
Religions:
Christianity and traditional religions
Exports:
Apparel, textiles, sugar and timber
Natural Resources:
Asbestos, diamonds, iron ore and gold
Monetary Unit:
South African Rand and Swazi Lilangeni (SZL)
TIMELINE ‘Sibebe Rock’ is the largest exposed granite pluton in the world; Mbabane 25,000 BC
Artefacts found in Swaziland have shown the presence of humans as far back as the early Stone Age, 200,000 years ago, most likely Khoisan hunter-gatherers. The oldest rock art paintings discovered date from prehistoric times – around c. 25,000 BC. There are various sites of rock art paintings throughout Swaziland.
4th Century
Bantu tribes arrived during the Bantu migrations from the Great Lakes region of eastern-central Africa. There is evidence of agriculture and use of iron dating from around the 4th century.
11th Century
Speakers of languages preceding Sotho and Nguni began settling before the 11th century.
18th Century
Known as the Ngwane, Swazi settlers from the Pongola River arrived around the 18th century. They had originally moved from the Tembe River in Mozambique. Conflict had pushed them further north, where the leader Ngwane III established his capital at Shiselweni – at the foot of the Mhlosheni hills. The Ngwane people established their capital at Zombodze under Sobhuza I in the heart of today’s Swaziland.
1880s
In 1881 the British government signed a convention recognising Swazi independence despite the scramble for Africa that was taking place at the time. The present boundaries were drawn up in 1881. This independence was also recognised in the convention of 1884. After the death of King Mbandzeni in 1889, Swaziland moved into shared public administration between the British, the Dutch and the Swazi people.
1890s
In 1894, Swaziland was placed under the South African Republic as a protectorate during the rule of Ngwane V. It ended with the King’s death in December 1899 during the Second Boer war. Swaziland was indirectly involved in the war until 1902. Ngwane’s successor was four-month old Nkhotfotjeni, who would later became known as Sobhuza II.
1903 to 1921 – British Rule
After British victory in the Anglo-Boer war in 1903, Swaziland became a British protectorate. Early administration was carried out from South Africa until 1906 when the Transvaal colony was granted self-government. Swaziland’s land was then racially segregated. Sobhuza II’s official coronation was in December 1921.
1923 to 1963
Sobhuza II established the Swazi Commercial Amadoda to grant licences to small businesses on the Swazi reserves. He also established the Swazi National School to counter the dominance of mission education. Over time his stature grew and he successfully resisted the British administration – which attempted to incorporate Swaziland into the Union of South Africa.
1963 to 1967
The constitution for independent Swaziland was promulgated by Britain in November 1963. Elections took place and the first Legislative Council of Swaziland was constituted on 9 September 1964. Elections under a new constitution were held in 1967.
1968 to 1980s – Independence
1990s to 2000s
Swaziland was briefly a Protected State until independence on 6 September 1968. After elections in 1973, the constitution was suspended by King Sobhuza II who then ruled by decree until his death in 1982. With a reign of 61 years, Sobhuza II was the longest ruling monarch in history. After his death Queen Regent Dzeliwe Shongwe was head of state until 1984. She was replaced by Queen Mother Ntfombi Tfwala. Her son, Mswati III, was crowned King on 25 April 1986. Pressure from students and labourers saw progress towards constitutional reform and the current Swaziland constitution was introduced in 2005. The first election under the new constitution, took place in 2008. Members of Parliament were elected from 55 constituencies (also known as Tinkhundla) – with their five-year terms ending in 2013. The new Parliament was elected on 20 September 2013 and saw the reappointment of Prime Minister Sibusiso Dlamini, by the King, for the third time.
Best of eSwatini
17
Even though Swaziland is the smallest country
Africa), in the south by KwaZulu-Natal (South
Mswati III’s father, King Sobhuza II died in 1982
in the southern hemisphere, its mere 17,000km²
Africa) and in the east by Mozambique.
and a period of regency followed. King Mswati
of land is impressive in its array of visitor attractions. Swazi culture is deeply engrained
History
in its heritage. The unique ancient traditions
The sovereign southern African state and its
of Swaziland are keenly upheld and embraced by all generations, which in turn will ensure its lasting legacy. Swaziland achieved its independence in 1968, restoring its traditionalist African culture.
warmth,
century King under whose rule Swazi territory was expanded and unified. Mswati II was the greatest of the fighting Kings of Swaziland, and he greatly extended the area of the country to twice its current size.
Apart from its rich culture, friendliness, security and
people take their names from Mswati II, the 19th-
Swaziland’s
landscapes
are
unforgettable. Every turn offers a panorama of mountains, valleys, forests, plains, and wildlife reserves. This is Africa at its best in one tiny, neat package. Swaziland is a major draw card for nature lovers
Government and Politics King Mswati III rules with constitutional provisions for Swazi Law and customs. He is Head of State and appoints the Prime Minister as well as a selection of parliament representatives of Senate and House of Assembly. The Senate comprises of 30 members and the House of Assembly comprises of 65 seats.
and hikers and hosts numerous outstanding nature reserves – such as Milwane Wildlife
dictates that the king must reign alongside his mother – known as the “Ndlovukati” or Matriarch Elephant.
Political timeline • Independence 6 September 1968 – Swaziland adopted a Westminster-style constitution. • 12 April 1973 – King Sobhuza II annulled the constitution by decree, assuming supreme powers in all executive, judicial and legislative matters. • 1978 – The first non-party elections for the House of Assembly were held under the “Tinkhundla”
as
electoral
constituencies
determined by the King, and established an Electoral Committee appointed by the King to supervise elections.
Elections are held every five years to decide
• July
1996
–
Constitutional
Review
Sanctuary near Lobamba, Hlane Royal National
the majority in the House of Assembly. The last
Commission appointed by King Mswati III
Park, Mlawula Nature Reserve in the east,
elections were held on 20 September 2013.
comprising of chiefs, political activists and
Mkhaya Game Reserve in the south and the
The balloting is done on a non-party basis in all
unionists to consider public submissions and
Malolotja Nature Reserve in the west.
categories. All election procedures are overseen by the Elections and Boundaries Commission.
18
III then acceded to the throne in 1986. Tradition
The Kingdom of Swaziland is bordered in the
Swaziland’s current constitution was adopted in
north and in the west by Mpumalanga (South
2005.
Best of eSwatini
draft proposals for a new constitution. • December 2001 – A 15-member team announced to draft a new constitution. • 2005 – New constitution effected.
• 20 September 2013 – Prime Minister Sibusiso Dlamini appointed by the King for his third term.
Elections Process Candidates within the Chiefdoms are decided through nominations. If the nominee accepts, he or she must be supported by at least ten members of that Chiefdom. Positions include Member of Parliament, Constituency Headman (Indvuna) and the Constituency Executive Committee (Bucopho). The minimum number of nominees is four and the maximum is ten. Primary elections also take place at Chiefdom level by secret ballot. The secondary and final elections take place at the various constituencies called Tinkhundla. Swaziland is divided into four regions: Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini and Shiselweni. Within each region are several Tinkhundla. The regions are managed by a regional administrator and aided by elected members in each inkhundla. Local
government
comprises
of
varying
structures of rural and urban councils. The urban councils are effectively municipalities and
Best of eSwatini
19
Mbabane
the rural councils are the Tinkhundla. There are
King Mswati III in 1992. Located on the Mbabane
1887 proved to be the catalyst for the modern
12 municipalities and 55 Tinkhundla.
River on the edge of the escarpment, it is cradled
development present today. In 1903, Mbabane
by the Mdzimba Mountains with the backdrop
was declared the colonial capital of the British
There are three tiers of government in the urban
of the Dlangeni Hills. In this picturesque setting
after the end of the Anglo-Boer war. The Boer
and rural areas. The urban areas are comprised
within the Hhohho region, Mbabane sits at an
capital had been downhill in Bremersdorp (now
of city councils, town councils and town boards.
average altitude of 1,243m within the Highveld
Manzini), but the British preferred the cooler
Rural areas are comprised of the regional
and enjoys a temperate climate.
climate of Mbabane.
Mbabane is a short drive from the South African
The first post office was built in 1906 and
border at Ngwenya-Oshoek. Mbabane houses
electricity was installed in 1920 at the residence
The main cities and towns in Swaziland are
government
and
of the British Commissioner. Development
Manzini, Mbabane, Nhlangano and Siteki which
NGOs and is firmly Swaziland’s administrative
progressed to include a golf course, tennis
are also regional capitals. Other small towns are
centre and is firmly entrenched in the Kingdom’s
courts, cricket pitch and theatre club. Mbabane
Ezulwini, Matsapha, Hlatikhulu, Pigg’s Peak,
history and heritage.
began to drastically expand at independence in
administration at the regional level, Tinkhundla and Chiefdoms.
departments,
embassies
1968 when the Swazi Plaza was built – followed
Simunye and Big Bend. Dating back to the 1750s, Swaziland’s capital
20
Capital – Mbabane
is named after Chief Mbabane Kunene who
Mbabane received official recognition as a city by
settled in the area. A small trading store built in
Best of eSwatini
by the Mbabane Mall. This area is now the heart of the city, housing
banks, shops, internet cafes, tourist information
and mountainous Highveld which contrasts with
People and Culture
and most modern visitor amenities.
the hot and dry Lowveld.
The population of Swaziland is primarily
Mbabane is the home of the Waterford-Kamhlaba
This escarpment is created by the fault line
siSwati. There is a small number of Zulu and White
United World College of Southern Africa, as well
which runs from the Drakensberg Mountains of
Africans, mostly of British or Afrikaaner descent.
as one of the three campuses of the University
Lesotho, north through the Eastern highlands of
There were also a number of Portuguese and
of Swaziland. Established in 1982, the Indingilizi
Zimbabwe, and eventually forming the Great Rift
African refugees from Mozambique.
Gallery in Mbabane showcases a range of Swazi
Valley of Kenya.
comprised of ethnic Swazis whose language is
art, including sculptures, paintings, batiks,
Swazis were traditionally subsistence farmers Rain occurs mainly during the humid hot
and herders – however, more commonly work
summer, when Swaziland looks lush and green.
is sought within the expanding urban formal
Terrain and Climate
The winter months are dry and quite cold,
economy and government. Many also seek
Within a small area, Swaziland’s terrain offers
particularly in the Middle and Highveld.
work in South African mines.
the escarpment running through the country –
Swaziland has four separate climatic regions
Swaziland is well known for its numerous
creating two distinct zones, namely the Highveld
running from north to south and determined by
cultural ceremonies – most notably the Incwala
and the Lowveld. The diversity in climate and
altitude: the Highveld, Middleveld, Lowveld and
Ceremony. This ceremony is celebrated every
topography is most obviously evident in the cool
Lubombo plateau.
year at the end of December in the cultural and
mohair, ethnic jewellery and pottery.
surprising variety. This is mostly as a result of
Best of eSwatini
21
spiritual centre of the country, the Ludzidzini
these products uniquely reflect Swazi culture.
Royal Residence. It consists of a blessing from
Grass weaving, woodcarving and beadwork are
the Monarch on the first fruits of the year’s
rooted in local tradition. Introduced techniques
harvest. The Umhlanga Reed Dance at the
include glass blowing and candle making.
end of August is when young women from all over Swaziland gather at the royal residence to honour the Queen Mother with the reed they collect during the course of the ceremony. The reed is used to make wind breakers for the royal residence. The traditional Swazi homestead, a beehive hut thatched with dry grass, forms the centre of the Swazi social unit. There are three structures for sleeping, cooking, and storage (brewing beer). In the centre of the traditional homestead lies the cattle kraal – significantly a store of wealth and symbol of prestige. Looking onto the cattle
Languages The official languages of Swaziland are SiSwati and English. A Bantu language of the Nguni Group, SiSwati (also Swati, Swazi or Siswati) is spoken in Swaziland and South Africa by 2.5 million speakers. English is used as the official medium of communication in schools, business and the press. There are about 76,000 Zulu speakers in Swaziland and 19,000 Tsonga speakers. There is also a small number of Afrikaans speakers.
Religion Of Swaziland’s total population, around 83%
kraal is the great hut housing the mother of the
are Christian. Of this, 40% are from Anglican,
headman.
Protestant and indigenous African churches, while 20% are Roman Catholic. Other religions
Princess Sikhanyiso Dlamini – The eldest daughter of King Mswati III. She wears a red feather crown, distinguishing her as royalty.
22
Best of eSwatini
Swaziland has a strong presence in the
comprise of traditional religions, Islam, the
handicrafts industry – which formally employs
Baha’i Faith, and Hinduism. There are 14 Jewish
over 2,500 people, mostly women. Ranging
families living in Swaziland. On 18 July 2012,
from household and cookery items in glass,
Ellinah Wamukoya was elected Anglican Bishop
stone and wood with artistic decorations,
of Swaziland – the first female bishop in Africa.
Economy
Development Community. Its major overseas
Swaziland is a developing country with a small
trading partners are the United States and the
economy. With a GDP per capita of US$9,714,
European Union.
it is classified as a lower-middle income country. The majority of the country’s employment is provided by its agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
Swaziland receives over 90% of its imports from South Africa and it sends about 70% of its exports to South Africa. Swaziland has received trade preferences for apparel exports to the US
Public finances in Swaziland deteriorated in the late 1990s after large surpluses in the 1980s. Budget deficits occurred after revenues declined and spending increased. Recent rapid growth in SACU revenues has reversed the fiscal situation and sizeable surplus was recorded since 2006. Today, SACU revenues account for over 60% of total government revenues. The external debt burden has noticeably declined over the last two decades and domestic debt is almost negligible.
(under the African Growth and Opportunity Act – AGOA) and for sugar to the EU. As a result, exports from both industries performed well. Textile exports grew by over 200% between 2000 and 2005, while sugar exports increased by more than 50%. The Swazi economy is diverse and includes activities in agriculture, forestry and mining. Together these industries account for 13% of GDP. Manufacturing (textiles and sugar-related processing) represents 37% of GDP. Services
As a member of the Southern African Customs
constitute 50% of GDP.
Union (SACU) and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), its main local
Swaziland’s mineral sector is still governed
trading partner is South Africa and its currency,
by a policy implemented before Swaziland’s
the Lilangeni, is tied to the South African Rand.
independence. After recent decline, a new
Swaziland is also a member of the United
mining policy is being drafted through a grant
Nations,
from China. Legislation to facilitate small-scale
the
Commonwealth
of
Nations,
the African Union, and the Southern African
mining has also been proposed.
Best of eSwatini
23
with firms from lower middle income countries,
dollars) in 2014 – of that 7.2% was from
but are hampered by inadequate governance
the agriculture sector. Sugarcane and sugar
arrangements and infrastructure.
products have the largest impact on GDP from the agricultural sector. Wood pulp and sugarcane
Agriculture Swaziland’s
landscape
were the largest exports of Swaziland up until of
contrasts
is
characterised by the forests of the Highveld in
2010 when the wood pulp producer shut down. Now sugarcane is the sole main export.
the north, the undulating hills of the Middleveld, and the levelling out of the subtropical Lowveld
Transport Infrastructure
in the south. These level plains are mostly used
Swaziland enjoys well-developed road links with
for agriculture as they account for 40% of the
South Africa. Swazi Rail operates its railroads
country’s total surface area.
that run east to west and north to south. The older east-west link is the Goba line, which
The Swazi economy is dual in nature, created
Most of the country’s high-value crops such as
exports bulk goods from Swaziland through
sugar, timber and citrus, are grown on Title Deed
the Port of Maputo in Mozambique. The
Lands (TDLs). These TDLs are characterised by
Mozambique conflict in the 1980s moved most
high levels of investment and irrigation – and
Swazi exports to South African ports.
therefore are highly productive. A north-south rail link was completed in
by high productivity in textile manufacturing Deed
About 75% of the population is employed in
1986 to connect the Eastern Transvaal (now
Lands, co-existing with declining productivity in
subsistence agriculture upon Swazi Nation Land
Mpumalanga) rail network and the South African
subsistence agriculture. Together with repeated
(snl) – which suffers from low productivity and
ports of Richards Bay and Durban.
droughts, this has led to overall low growth.
investment.
The Investment Climate Assessment found that
Swaziland is Africa’s fourth largest producer of
road infrastructure and roads are generally well
Swaziland firms are among the most productive
sugar – placing 25th for production worldwide.
taken care of – most especially leading into
in sub-Saharan Africa. They compare favourably
Swaziland’s GDP was US$8.621-billion (US
Mbabane. Public transport is the main means of
and
industrialised
agricultural
Title
Swaziland is known to have relatively good
24
Best of eSwatini
transportation in Swaziland and car ownership is low. The National Road Network has 1500km of main roads and 2270km of district roads. The RM3 road also includes a section, going from the Ngwenya border crossing, through Mbabane and until Manzini, with four lanes and has been upgraded as a motorway. This motorway section has a length of 56km. The Kingdom’s main airport is King Mswati III International Airport located at Sikhuphe, which has a 3,600m runway. The other paved airport is Matsapha Airport.
Tourism As a small landlocked southern African country, Swaziland is known for its nature reserves and cultural festivals. Swaziland offers a uniquely African experience in a friendly and safe environment. Due to its compact size, all Swaziland’s attractions are easily accessible – with nothing more than two hours’ drive from Mbabane. The Lubombo Mountains on the north-eastern border with Mozambique, running down to
Best of eSwatini
25
Swaziland’s numerous festivals celebrate its ancient traditions in spectacular style and are a great attraction. Adventure and leisure activities for visitors include horse riding, river rafting, golf and thermal spas. Swaziland offers the best of both worlds when seeking thrill and relaxation.
Parks, Reserves and Sanctuaries South Africa, provide magnificent scenery to
home to the oldest known mine in the world at
Swaziland’s many reserves are rich in biodiversity.
hikers in the Mlawula Nature Reserve, while
Ngwenya. Other historical sites are etched out
For African big game viewing at its best, Hlane
Hlane Royal National Park offers a diverse
across the country, mapping the trail of the early
Royal National Park and Mkhaya Game Reserve
wildlife experience – with sightings of lions,
colonies.
are the places to go, offering a variety of big mammals such as elephant, hippo, giraffe, zebra
hippos and elephants. Top attractions include the Swazi Cultural
and rhino. Mkhaya is one of the best places in
and
Village, Traditional Swazi Craft Markets, the
Africa to view black and white rhino and Hlane is
endangered rhino, while the rugged Highveld is
National Museum, Yebo Art Gallery, as well as
home to lion. Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary has a
home to an array of rare birds. Swaziland is also
numerous trails.
similarly diverse offering of fauna.
The
26
wild
lowveld
Best of eSwatini
shelters
elusive
The Swaziland National Trust Commission’s Reserves are Mlawula and Malolotja. Mbuluzi is a private reserve and Malolotja is the place to go to view graceful eland – the world’s largest antelope. Many reserves can be explored without the use of a guide, allowing for an authentic wilderness experience in glorious settings.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swaziland www.southafrica-travel.net www.thekingdomofswaziland.com www.tripadvisor.co.za
Best of eSwatini
27
Best of Tinkhundla Government The Tinkhundla System of Government is a lot of things to a lot of people but it only means one thing to Swazis – Unity. As His Majesty King Mswati III and the country celebrates 50 years of peace and development the nation is encouraged to reflect and celebrate this achievement.
Since the strong winds of change blew strongly
we say deadly! In all but a very few countries
across Africa, beginning first in Ghana and
it has brought nothing but suffering, instability
then more recently closer to home in Namibia
and chaos. Postcolonial Africa up to now is
and South Africa, unity has been an elusive
still the poster child of political instability and
proposition for Africans. However, in all its 50
underdevelopment – long after it had gained
years, Swaziland has enjoyed nothing but unity
political independence.
and peace. This has very much been the result of strong diplomatic relations with the world but
This is not to downplay the influence and role
also due to the wisdom behind its home-grown
of competing economic interests which were
system of governance and Leadership.
and still are themselves informed by the winner takes all mentality. These vested interests have
Democratic systems around the world work
laid waste to our beloved Africa. All around the
because they are mainly tailored around local
continent covert operations by foreign agents
conditions and this cannot be truer for the
not too long after independence scrambled for
Tinkhundla System of Government. People
the spoils of the richest continent in the world. In
have traditions that should in reality inform their
the case of Swaziland this threat of political and
governance at grassroots level – for democracy
economic servitude emanated closer to home.
to work smoothly. Unfortunately this has not
This also being the case for most of the frontline
been the case with many postcolonial African
states namely Lesotho, Botswana, Angola,
states. Their political systems in many cases
Zambia and Mozambique.
were imported from the west and had no room for local characteristics and mechanisms so as
To fully appreciate the democratic idea behind
to benefit all local sections of society. To begin
the Tinkhundla System of Government you
with, most of these postcolonial countries were
have to first understand Swazi culture and more
already a cacophony of competing cultures
importantly neo-colonialism. At a time when
(as a result of the unnatural colonial borders)
most party politics were failing the peoples
barely coexisting with each other. This illusion
of the continent, the Swazi nation under the
of coexistence was quickly shattered however
Leadership of King Sobhuza II devised a system
by the ‘winner takes all’ systems of government
that sought to prevent social upheaval and the
imported from the west and imposed on
resultant outcome of a failed state. In all of this
Africans.
menacing Apartheid South Africa loomed large.
“When large sections of the population feel
“Umuntfu ngumuntfu ngebantfu”.
disenfranchised unrest soon follows.” As the last bastion of Bantu culture, Swaziland The winner takes all concept of government
is unique and interesting amongst postcolonial
has been very problematic for Africa. Dare
African countries because it embraced a system
Best of eSwatini
29
that centres on the people’s attachment to
It is this way of life that informs the Tinkhundla
What makes the Tinkhundla system unique
their land! Land is everything to Africans. Their
system of Government. Every homestead in
and sustainable is the ability to integrate this
way of life is defined by the land. They owe
Swazi culture is organised under a constituency,
indigenous and ancient constituency based
their humanity to land. How they governed
which in turn is made up of about five chiefdoms.
system of government with the newer western
themselves before imperialism is based on
This is called the Inkhundla. Chiefdoms are
Westminster style of government. Both systems
land. Without the land they become broken and
themselves then organised under the Monarchy,
are constituency based in their foundations. It
aggressive. But most importantly they lose their
the custodian of Swazii culture and thereby all
is this foundation, in the case of Swaziland, the
culture! Fortunately the Swazis woke up to this
Tinkhundla. Like the chieftaincy or homestead
Inkhundla, were primary elections take place
a long time ago and took steps to prevent this.
under it, the monarchy has a sacred place to
to produce the people that will then act as
engage and discuss matters of governance and
oversight in the western style parliament on the
nation importance.
western style executive arm of government.
remaining land at all costs. Under the leadership
This is the Sibaya were all the people from the
In essence Tinkhundla function as grassroot
of King Sobhuza II plans were set afoot to buy
different Tinkhundla congregate for national
primaries open to commoners and not just
‘back the land’. Once independent, the growing
matters.
elites.
This is the traditional Peoples parliament.
It is not a stretch to say that the people of
After losing swaths of land to the whites, the nation made means to hold on to their last
Swazi nation continued to settle on the land and hold on to their way of life.
30
Best of eSwatini
Swaziland found a functional balance and compromise informed by their very own traditions between the competing interests of modern and tradition systems of government. This compromise created a real democratic government for the people. A government that draws its functionaries from the common people themselves. A governance that is inspired by the people’s very own culture of Bantu social organisation yet satisfying all the functions of a modern western style state. This is the government that His Majesty King Sobhuza II in 1973 bestowed to the Swazi nation. It was and still is what you may call ‘Grassroots democracy’ with the king – trusted father of the nation – at the helm to maintain unity.
Best of eSwatini
31
The Peoples Parliament
Ever since, Swazi politics have continued to
you have its best interests at heart and not those
deliver unity and peace through diplomacy!
of an organisation; they vote for you to represent
This is the preferred Swazi way of conducting
them. Depending on how much of a landslide
politics. This political socialisation is very much
it took to elect you (meaning the people really
part of Swazi folklore. One illustration of this is a
have faith in you), you are then called to national
popular tale about how not too long ago when
duty and join the Parliament. This is different
the Swazis were being attacked by marauding
from the South African system of winner takes
Zulu warriors – hankered down in their cave
all for example where members of parliament
systems they reached out to the hungry Zulu
strictly represent organisational interests. The
impis by offering food and refreshments to win
politics of Swaziland at both national and local
them over diplomatically. Incidentally this also
level are about national duty and not about
contributed to the growth of the Swazi nation
elites competing for the Levers of power and
because a large numbers of the Zulus would
the ensuing largess. Part of this national duty
then defect to settle with the peace seeking
as mandated by the people themselves is to
Swazis rather that return to the unending blood
preserve the Swazi way of life and its customs.
thirsty ways of the Zulu nation at the time. As the nation celebrates its double celebrations, other
it is encouraged not only to appreciate the
parliamentary systems also promotes individual
phenomenal growth of Swazi Culture but also to
merit. If your constituency the Inkhundla believes
continue on the road of steadfast unity.
The
32
Best of eSwatini
Tinkhundla
system
like
all
Today Swaziland is a far cry from its roots as a rural backwater with the constant threat of being gobbled up by big brother, South Africa. Today, it is a modern state boosting world-class infrastructure and unusually high ratings on the UN human development index. Today Swaziland is known all around the world as a country that has maintained its colourful and rich traditions while many have lost theirs to so called development. On the continent, Swaziland is also the shining exception when it comes to the absence of bloody strife and social upheaval. Tinkhundla anyone?
By Sifiso Maseko
Best of eSwatini
33
Africa’s New Promise
Competitive Swaziland
The Kingdom of Swaziland with an official GDP of $4 billion and a population of around 1.1 million is classified as a lower middle income country by world bodies like the World Bank and IMF. This means that in the eyes of the world, Swaziland is a relatively developed country. What this also means is that it does not qualify for budget assistance extended to low income countries like our neighbour Mozambique for instance. It, Mozambique can have its national budget supplemented by donor funding but Swaziland does not receive such assistance. Swaziland has to raise all its budget from the taxes it collects and therefore devising home-grown strategies – like all other developed countries have done – to grow the economy is of paramount importance.
There is national and international consensus
The journey to lower middle income status,
(South African Customs Union). This economic
that the National Development Strategy and
started
when
enclave is one of the oldest in the world initially
the Investor Roadmap is the best blueprint
industrial pioneers laid the foundation for the
built around Gold mining in the Witwatersrand.
to help us achieve the national goal of first
country’s mining, forestry, manufacturing and
Swaziland is strategically located and within
world development and wellbeing. Within this
sugar industries. Today, the country boasts
close proximity in relation to its nerve centre
important strategic document is contained the
some of the best roads and water systems in
(Gauteng; South Africa) – a plus in its goal of
Millennium projects like the flagship ICC and
the world and continues to invest in such. For
achieving first world status and wellbeing.
5 star hotel currently underway at Ezulwini
example the country is embarking on a massive
and it is envisaged that once all the mega
railway project with South Africa to bring down
This advantage of location is also magnified by
infrastructure projects are complete the country
the cost of exporting South African coal to
being blessed and located within the highest
will start reaping the benefits of the NDS and
international markets.
rainfall belt in the region, making Swaziland
long
before
independence
one of the best watered countries in SADC.
Investor roadmap. One of the benefits of being
34
classified as a lower middle income country
It is therefore undisputable that another reason
It is all these factors that the government of
however is that the country is seen as enjoying
for our lower middle income status as country
His Majesty King Mswati III hope to leverage
sound liquidity and a stable microeconomic
and prospects of achieving full economic
to distinguish Swaziland as a bonafide bet for
environment. This means it is much easier to
development and wellbeing is premised on our
investors and home-grown investments. This is
borrow from multi-lateral organisations like the
further economic integration into the biggest
the same potential that the industrial pioneers of
World Bank and IMF.
economic enclave on the continent, SACU
yesteryears saw all that time ago.
Best of eSwatini
Best of eSwatini
35
Notwithstanding, it is also Political stability that
His Majesty King Mswati III’s Dream is for
has helped the country achieve prosperity thus
Swaziland to be a first world country by 2022
far. Peace and Unity has been the hallmark of
in both attitude and infrastructure development.
Swazi politics since time immemorial. Recorded
The millennium infrastructure projects which
Swazi history clearly illustrates the great lengths
include KMIII international airport, Sikhuphe
Swazi leadership went to attain peace and
Manzini Highway, Usuthu hydro project, Royal
coexistence amongst Swazis themselves and
Science and Technology Park, and soon to
with their neighbours. This allowed for the Swazi
completed ICC and 5 star hotel bring us closer
nation to remain intact throughout the colonial
to this dream.
period and emerge culturally preserved. Seeking
36
Best of eSwatini
peace and unity meant the Swazi way of life
Talks of making Swaziland a Tax friendly
was not smashed by the colonisers and when
jurisdiction are also at an advanced stage. It is
independence was attained helping the nation
estimated that if this were to happen, in 10 year’s
start out united and culturally robust. Today we
time the GDP of Swaziland could double and
see the benefits of this Swazi diplomacy which
keep accelerating. Re-engineering Swaziland
is still championed and continues to create a
into a regional financial centre, coupled with
politically stable Swaziland. It is this political
investment into the local agriculture and tourism
certainty that will be the pillar of economic
industries will undoubtedly turn Swaziland into
development for the next 50 years going forward.
the Switzerland of Africa. This would also benefit
the region by stunting the capital flight and
Increasingly, Swazi traditions are finding their
illicit flows from the continent to offshore
way into creative technology, music, film,
destinations.
publishing, performance and fashion thereby attracting ever more tourists and intellectual
Amongst all of these however, the country’s
property income.
easiest win is Cultural tourism. As part of vision 2022 the government has prioritised and
In a nutshell, Swazis know what needs to
started to put money in its underdeveloped
be done to achieve first world status as
cultural industries. Having world renowned
conceived by His Majesty the King. As noted,
cultural attractions like the Umhlanga Reed
the country also possesses the natural DNA
dance and Incwala Ceremony gives the
to make this possible.
cultural industries of Swaziland the edge and kick start it needs. An example of this
As we celebrate His Majesty’s and the
achievable potential is the Bushfire Arts
country’s 50 years, not only do we look back
Festival. Without the international reputation
with satisfaction but also look forward with
and image of Swaziland as cultural hotspot,
great expectation.
the festival would have struggled to scale to the heights it enjoys today on the world art festival circuit.
By Sifiso Maseko
Best of eSwatini
37
CHAPTER 1
Royal Family AND chieftainship
Savela eluhlangeni 2000 years in the making… This is a Swazi expression which translates as ‘We come from the reeds’.
Swazi tradition tells us that in order to cross the
around 1435. Dlamini I (founder of the royal
Magudulela however did not become King,
Limpopo River, the baNtu or more specifically
dynasty that rules Swaziland up to this day) then
because his mother was reluctant to be Queen
the Nguni fashioned rafts made from reeds.
came to power.
mother.
Oral history tells us that Dlamini I had two
To
sons, Mswati I and Mthonga – founder of the
tradition tells us she plunged Magudulela’s
The Nguni people known as the eMbo – which
Tsonga. It is said that Mthonga and his people
right hand into a pot of boiling porridge.
later was to form the nucleus of the Ngwane
(Tsonga) went on to establish the Tembe
Swazi custom unfortunately dictates that you
people – first settled between modern day
Kingdom that to this day inhabit southern
cannot use your left hand to rule the kingdom and
Maputo and the Lubombo Mountains. Around
Mozambique. The heir to Mswati I was Ngwane
is seen as an evil sign. Subsequently, Ludvonga
the 1300’s oral traditions tell us Nkosi I was
II, whose heir was Dlamin II who begot Nkosi II,
I, a son from another wife was crowned. Swazi
the leader of the eMbo. On his passing he
who was followed by Mavuso I who then begot
custom also dictates that the rightful heir should
was succeeded by his son Ngwane I who died
Magudulela.
have no brothers and consequently just before
To this day reeds play a central role in modern Swazi Culture.
40
Best of eSwatini
prevent
this
from
happening
oral
the coronation of Hlubi to succeed Ludvonga I,
the Ingwavuma River. It was at the Ingwavuma
his mother gave birth to a son. His half-brother
Royal
was then crowned as Dlamini III.
people initiated the tradition of Kuluma (first
residence
where
the
nguni
eMbo
fruits ceremony) or Incwala. To this day herbs By this time, the Portuguese had started to
necessary to the ritual are still gathered from the
establish themselves at Delagoa Bay which was
Ngwavuma region.
later renamed Lorenco Marques (known today as Maputo). Due to the expanding indigenous
King Ngwane III was born to laYanga Ndwandwe
population and some say, the dwindling herds
and King Dlamini III. His coronation was in 1750
of elephants from which ivory was increasingly
and he died in 1780, after reigning for 30 years.
Bay and in Natal – the latter as a result of the
being used to trade with the Portuguese, the
Facing increasing pressure from the Tembe
Great trek from the Cape colony. This tense
eMbo experienced upheaval. Though the eMbo
and now formidable Ndwandwe, Ngwane III
era gave us Emabutfo – age specific warrior
economy revolved around farming (cattle,
moved his people to the Shiselweni region of
regiments under the direct command of warring
goats, millet and sorghum) and forging iron,
modern day Swaziland. It was here that the
Nguni Kings.
the ivory trade had become very lucrative.
Swazi people acquired the name Bantfu Baka
Traditional historians tell us, that in pursuit
Ngwane (the people of Ngwane) and ever since
Near what is today known as the Town of
of elephants and because of the expanding
they have referred to the country they inhabit as
Nhlangano (as a result of King George VI of
Tembe Kingdom some clans moved south of
KaNgwane.
England visiting the area) Ngwane III built his ceremonial capital Zombodze. His administrative
the Pongola River into modern day Zululand, forming the Ndwandwe and Mthetwa tribes –
This arrival at the Shiselweni region can arguably
capital was called Hhohho at Mhlosheni an
tribes that were to later play an integral role in
also be seen as the initial consolidation of what
area between the Middleveld and Lowveld of
the development of the Swazi nation of today.
eventually became the Swazi nation. Another
Swaziland (eSwatini). This was an area good
consolidation of interrelated tribes albeit on a
for grazing thereby allowing the emaNgwane to
Forced away from his ancestral lands eventually,
larger scale was also to happen to the Zulus
grow stronger and prosper.
Dlamini III and his nguni eMbo people migrated
under Shaka as a consequence of the Mfecane
west along the Pongola River. As is the Royal
(the crushing). It has been argued that this
Traditional historians tell us that Ngwane III was
tradition government custom to this day, Dlamini
political reorganization was necessitated by
in the habit of killing his heirs, earning him the
III established two capitals on the Lubombo
population expansion, scarcity of grazing lands
praise ‘the mamba that lays twelve eggs and
Mountains – the administrative capital near the
and increased competition for resources due in
eats them’. Fortunately, after strong advice
Pongola River and a ceremonial capital close to
part to more European arrivals both at Delagoa
from his advisors he spared one young son
Best of eSwatini
41
King Sobhuza II
King Sobhuza
King Sobhuza I Skirmishes with the Ndwandwe and later
King Bhunu
the Zulu and Boers over the Pongola River and its fertile farmlands were to become the biggest threat to the fledgling Ngwane people of Sobhuza I. Unable to match the strength of the Ndwandwe, Sobhuza I decided to move further north after it became clear that amongst other things, marrying laZidze, daughter of King Zwide and making her his Principal wife did not guarantee his safety. Sobhuza I found it futile to go to war with a powerful adversary if winning was uncertain. As feared, Zwide did eventually attack the capital Shiselweni; burning it to the ground. Fleeing north, Sobhuza I to his good fortune found the Sotho tribes occupying the area disorganised and hastily conquered them, thereby expanding the emaNgwane. These conquered people were called Emakhandzambili (those found ahead). These included the Maseko, Magagula, Mnisi and Nkambule. Soon after, he then had to return to the scorched Shiselweni
and King Ndvungunye. His coronation was in 1815, and he died after a 23 year reign, in 1838. His reign incidentally coincided with the reign of Shaka and as a way of forming an alliance with the
Ndvungunye to continue the royal bloodline.
because the Mamba clan had alerted him to his
Zulu nation he married off two of his daughters
When he died he was buried in a sacred cave
brother Magwegwe’s revolt against his rule.
to King Shaka. By then the warlike Shaka was
on a mountain called eMbilaneni.
42
King Sobhuza I was born to Lojiba Simelane
the undisputed power in Southern Africa. After Deciding that Shiselweni was too close to the
defeating Zwide (Sobhuza’s nemesis), Shaka
King Ndvungunye was born to laKubheka
highly contested and volatile Pongola region,
had initially expanded his Kingdom south and
Mndzebele and his coronation was in 1790.
Sobhuza I permanently moved his operations
then west. Soon however he started eyeing the
His mother’s residence was Lobamba and his
to Lobamba and Langeni close to the Mdzimba
north from his kwaBulawayo capital.
administrative capital was Shiselweni. He died
Mountains – a formidable fortress replete with
suddenly in 1815 after being struck by lightning
deep caves good for retreat in times of war. The
Before he could cross the Pongola River, Shaka
but only after having fathered Somhlolo –
area soon became important for rainmaking
was assassinated by Dingane and Mhlangana.
crowned King Sobhuza I.
rituals eventually earning it the name eZulwini.
Sobhuza I however was not off the hook
Best of eSwatini
a II
because the Zulus under Dingane soon turned
Sobhuza I took the fight to a weakened Dingane
King Sobhuza’s I Prophecy
their attention north of the Phongola, attacking
and attacked. After three days of fighting the
Before passing away, Sobhuza I had a dream
Sobhuza I. The Mdzimba Mountains soon
Zulus fled. This was to be the biggest victory
about the coming of white people to kaNgwane.
earned its legendary status in Swazi folklore by
over the Zulus by the emaNgwane. As fate
After the dream he told his people that from the
saving him and his fledging nation. The Swazi
would have it Mpande, half-brother to Dingane
white people they should take Umculo (Bible)
King’s good fortune was further extended in
with the help of the Boers, revolted against the
and reject the Indilinga (Money). He also went
1838 when Dingane was subsequently defeated
bruised Zulu King and overthrew him.
on to say that these people’s blood must never
by the land hungry Voortrekkers at the Battle
be spilled because to do that would mean
of Blood River. To many observers, this defeat
Dingane fled over the Pongola River and took
complete destruction as a nation. It is thus
spelled the beginning of the end for the warlike
respite in the sacred Hlatikhulu forest. Learning
believed that this prophecy is the reason why
Zulus. Losing most of his territory south of the
of his whereabouts the emaNgwane mounted
the Swazi have never had outright war with
Tugela River to the Voortrekkers, it became
a pre-dawn raid and Dingane was speared to
the Europeans. By extension, because of his
more urgent for Dingane to expand north of the
death by Silevane of the Nyawo clan – who was
political achievements, modern Swaziland can
Pongola River. While putting final touches to his
also responsible for alerting Sobhuza I of the Zulu
rightly be seen therefore as Sobhuza’s I creation.
plan of conquering the emaNgwane at a military
King’s presence. Fearing reprisal, his death was
Mswati II who succeeded him and gave the
camp near the source of the Ingwavuma River,
kept a secret for 150 years by the emaNgwane.
enlarged nation his name, simply cemented this
Best of eSwatini
43
foundation by uniting various semi-autonomous competing units into one whole. King Mswati II was born to Tsandzile Ndwandwe (laZidze). His coronation was in 1839 and he died after reigning for 26 years in the year 1868. Mswati II established his capital at Ludzidzini and inherited at least 75 separate clans.
King Mswati II: Father of the Nation Mswati II’s greatest and enduring achievement was consolidating the conquered people’s different dialects and cultures into one unified whole – thereby creating what today is the Swazi nation. Being the most militant of Swazi Kings, it’s no wonder that he is also credited with Tinkhundla (organizing regiments through each Chief and then grouping chiefs into
fact that, once allegiance was assured, he
constituencies or Tinkhundla) – for better social
restored the authority of the conquered Chiefs
coercion.
and created ties of loyalty and friendship fortified by intermarriages.
King Mswati II’s military raids during his
44
Best of eSwatini
time, extended as far north as present day
When King Mswati II was repeatedly threatened
Zimbabwe.
however
by his contemporary the then Zulu King
was the extension of sovereignty rather than
Mpande (in cohorts with Malambula) – at one
acquisition of territory – demonstrated by the
time occupying the whole of Swaziland – he
His
military
strategy
first sought protection from the Boers (who
After the annexation of Natal by the British, the
These missionaries from the Free State built
themselves by now had been kicked out of Natal
Boers had moved to the eastern Highveld and
their first mission on the Mkhondvo River later
by the British in the war of 1843). However, they
initially established the Republic of Ohrigstad
renamed Mahamba (on account of the civil war
were reluctant to help so he decided to court
between the Crocodile and Oliphants River –
that took place there leading them to flee the
them (British) through Sir Theophilus Shepstone
Swazi territory since most of the tribes there had
country with their Swazi converts).
who finally used his influence to restrain the
sworn allegiance and loyalty to King Mswati II.
Zulus thereby preventing more Swazi refugees
This is also the same time Missionaries entered
Crown Prince Ludvonga was born to King
from flooding Natal – a growing headache for
the Kingdom after being invited by King Mswati
Mswati II and Queen Sisile Khumalo but he died
the British Authorities.
II (in order to fulfil his father’s dream of Umculo).
in 1874 as a minor shortly after being crowned.
Best of eSwatini
45
Meanwhile the newly crowned Cetshwayo (with
Far right: Queen Regent Dzeliwe –
the help of Mbilini) decided to conquer the Swazi
and on left young Sobhuza II
once and for all and fulfil a long standing Zulu ambition, but the South African Republic (ZAR) then entered the fray. Their real motive was that they did not want the strategic Swazi territory to fall into Zulu hands and hamper their plan of annexing Swaziland – their projected gateway to the sea. Forced to sign a treaty of ‘annexation’ with the ZAR because of the occupation that followed as a result, and with a top display of Boer firepower the Swazi soon turned to an old ally – the British. The British were themselves dreaming of a Confederation of Southern Africa and saw this annexation as a threat and thus sent a stern warning to the ZAR. A powerful ZAR was the last thing they wanted. However, the Boers stayed put. In 1877 to the delight of the Swazis, their friend Shepstone (Somtseu) finally prevailed over the Boers by annexing the ZAR on behalf of Britain. This meant the Swazis were now under
Before being crowned during the regency of
Indlovukazi in-waiting Sisile to avoid the instability
Tsandzile (Mswati II’s mother) in 1869 Marthinus
brought about by her son’s Ludvonga’s passing,
Wessels Pretorius (the first President of the
recommended for her to adopt Mbandzeni
In order to fulfil the dream of confederacy
South African Republic) proclaimed that they
so she could continue to be Indlovukazi while
the British also had to crush the vast Zulus.
were annexing Swaziland. The first of many
simultaneously extending Tsandzile’s regency
In 1879 the Anglo-Zulu war began. Without
annexation threats by the Boers. This period
until Mbandzeni came of age.
actually committing troops to the campaign
in Swazi history also heralded the arrival of
46
the ‘protection’ of the less feared British.
against Cetshwayo, Mbandzeni won praise for
concession hunters into the country and by
Born to Tibati Nkambule and King Mswati II,
loyalty to the British cause. In October of the
now the Boers had replaced the Zulus as the
King Mbandzeni ascended the throne in 1875.
same year the Swazi further cemented their
principal threat to Swazi independence.
He died in 1888 after reigning for 13 years.
growing friendship with the British when
Best of eSwatini
they played a decisive role in capturing King Sekhukhune,
another
stumbling
block
in
the British Confederacy. The song iNqaba kaNqofula was written to celebrate this victory and has since become a Swazi anthem to this very day. Overnight the Swazis became Britain’s principal ally in southeast Africa. For their trouble Swazi independence for the first time was then codified through the 1881 Pretoria Convention and then the 1884 London Convention.
Concession Fever For most of his reign Mbandzeni had been sidelined by the Royal council. After the crushing of the Zulu, ‘the quiet puff adder’ as he was to be later known, desperately needed to assert himself. This was a time when grazing lands and mineral wealth in the Kingdom were increasingly attracting concession hunters. Thus began the era of colourful and dodgy characters like Allister Miller and Landdrost Krogh. Border ruffians like Charlie DuPont and Bob McNab had also moved to Swaziland to get away from the Law and settled along the Lubombo (for easy access into Southern Mozambique).
was gripped by concession mania after the
Monarch had regrettably given away countless
discovery of Gold in the Transvaal and this soon
lucrative concessions and monopolies. In effect
poured into eSwatini.
most of the rights to the land and mineral wealth of the Kingdom by now had been swindled by
The Transvaal government (ZAR) was, at this time,
experiencing
These
challenges
widespread
corruption.
For his part, Mbandzeni needed outside help in
the concession hunters. Offy was to control
financial
dealing with these shrewd concession hunters.
all concessions and white affairs in general in
misappropriation to the misuse of concessions
Enter Theophilus ‘Offy’ Shepstone Jr. who in
his personal capacity however and not as a
and monopolies. The whole of South Africa
1887 was made advisor to Mbandzeni after the
representative of Britain.
ranged
from
Best of eSwatini
47
The final blow to Mbandzeni reign and health
Understandably, King Bhunu had an unflattering
Prince Nkhotfotjeni had not reached the age of
was tragically losing the eastern territories along
view of the foreigners who now owned his
maturity. Following the demise of King Bhunu
the Tembe River to the Portuguese. When he
country. During his time the third Swaziland
in 1899, she meticulously groomed Queen
died the Regent Tibati established the three way
Convention of 1894 between Britain and the
Lomawa Ndwandwe and the young Nkhotfotjeni
Provisional Government Committee (triumvirate)
ZAR, also resulted in Swaziland being officially
for their future roles as Queen Mother and King
to govern the Kingdom. By this time, the British
made a protectorate of the ZAR (in exchange
respectively.
were now more interested in Rhodesia than
for Rhodesia). This meant that the Transvaal
Swaziland whose monopoly concessions had
now collected all the taxes even though the
made it ungovernable and were willing to trade
King retained his position. English and Dutch
Swaziland for Rhodesia with the ZAR.
were now the official languages. Alcohol interestingly, was also strictly prohibited from
This was made all the more easier by the fact
being sold to Swazis. In 1895 the ZAR took
that most monopoly concessions i.e. Railway,
over the old triumvirate government offices in
Postal Service and Tax Collection had already
Bremersdorp (established by Regent Tibati) and
been sold to the ZAR anyway. This conquest
installed Johannes Krogh as the ZAR’s special
by concessionaires meant that Swaziland was
commissioner.
again a territory of the ZAR and would sadly loose its independence for the next 70 years
As if the earlier loss of the eastern territories
from then onwards.
along the Tembe River was not bad enough the British now incorporated the Trans-Pongola
King Ngwane V (Bhunu) was born to Queen
territories (Ngwavuma) into Zululand.
Gwamile Mdluli and King Mbandzeni. His
Royal Council remained neutral. The only time Swazis were involved in the war, was when David Forbes Jr (a concessionaire) led a British expedition that tried to destroy the strategically important Boer railway line to Delagoa Bay running across the Komati River in northern Swaziland. They were not successful. The Anglo-Boer war ended in 1902 with the defeat of the Boers and Swaziland was once again a British protectorate. Since Bremersdorp was destroyed during the war because of the antics of Steinacker (a German saboteur hired by the British to cause mayhem) the new British special commissioner Enraght-Moony and a
coronation was in 1890 and he died in
When the Anglo-Boer war broke out over the
police force of around 150 established a new
1899 after reigning for only 9 years. Besides
Witwatersrand, the government of Swaziland
capital near Mickey Well’s store on the banks
the loss of sovereignty, King Bhunu’s reign
was temporary restored to King Bhunu.
of the Mbabane River. Their first act of law
was also marked by his alleged involvement
Unfortunately he collapsed and died during the
enforcement was to ban the carrying of spears.
in the execution of Chief Mbaba Sibandze
Incwala a few months later.
King Sobhuza II
(who had been accused of stealing a leg of
48
While the Anglo-Boer war was raging on, the
an animal that had been sacrificed to the
During the period of 1889 to 1921, Gwamile
Nkhotfotjeni (meaning stone lizard because he
ancestors), as this sacrilege was considered an
was the Queen Regent in conjunction with
was born when King Bhunu was hiding from
act of witchcraft.
Malunge (brother to Bhunu) as the Crown
the Boers who wanted to prosecute him for
Best of eSwatini
Queen Lomawa Ndwandwe
killing a witch, Chief Mbaba Sibandze) son
When he was crowned, Sobhuza II built his
the first step and helped establish a multi-racial
of Ngwane V (Bhunu) and Queen Lomawa
residence at Masundwini as is the custom.
legislative council to administer Swaziland.
Ndwandwe was born on July 22nd 1899. On his
This also meant Gwamile stepping down
A 1961 report then recommended that all
coronation in December 1921 he was renamed
as regent and making way for Lomawa to
discrimination on grounds of race, creed and
King Sobhuza II.
become Indlovukazi. The visionary Regent
colour be removed from the laws of Swaziland.
Gwamile passed on in 1925 after serving two
While negotiating the Constitution of Swaziland
In 1907 the Land Partition Proclamation by
unprecedented
Mother
many Swazis dismissed the whole concept of
the British resulted in 56% of Swaziland being
Lomawa herself passed away in 1938 and was
political parties saying that they were irrelevant
designated as ‘Private European Land’ and
replaced by Nukwase as Indlovukazi. Nukwase
to the preferred traditional system of Royal
the rest British Crown lands held in trust for
then passed on in 1957, replaced by Zihlathi.
government. All the while the wise Sobhuza II
the Swazi nation. Meaning Swazis had no
During his 60 year reign, the charismatic
chose to remain above the fray as he felt it would
title over their own land. In reality, bit by bit this
Sobhuza II outlived three Queen Mothers.
be inappropriate for the King to take sides in the
regencies.
Queen
sectional interests of his people.
crown land was also being sold off to Europeans to pay for British administration. It soon
Throughout his reign Sobhuza II espoused
became clear to the Queen Regent Labotsibeni
peace, non-racialism and unity. He was also a
Eventually, elections took place in 1967 under
(Gwamile) that to get back the land, Swazis had
proud Swazi that worked tirelessly to regain the
a Swazi negotiated constitution and voters
to buy it back.
Kingdom’s independence.
roll. Imbokodzo National Movement won all
Before Mona (Sobhuza’s nickname on account
Beginning in 1940 and continuing the work
independence. Sobhuza proceeded to sign the
of the jealousy raging between British, Boers
of Regent Gwamile, King George VI of Great
Swaziland Protected State Agreement giving
and Swazis at the time) could become King,
Britain initiated the first of three Swaziland land
Swaziland full control over its internal affairs and
Gwamile wanted him to also learn the ways
resettlements after relentless petitions from
stipulating full independence before the end
of the white man and be better equipped to
Sobhuza II. The enlightened Sobhuza II then set
of 1968. This act also installed Sobhuza II as
deal with the ‘strange’ people who were now
up the Lifa fund to buy back more land for the
Ingwenyama and King of Swaziland.
“protecting” the Kingdom. With the blessings
Swazi nation. Though Apartheid South Africa
of Lord Kitchener, the first national school,
(not yet a republic) was still pushing for the
The ceremony was held on the site of the current
Zombodze was built and Joseph Xaba from the
protectorates to be incorporated into the Union,
parliament building!
Eastern Cape was dispatched as tutor for the
by 1960 it became clear that full independence
future King. After finishing his primary schooling
for Swaziland was inevitable.
the seats. What remained thereafter was full
the Cape to finish his education.
By Sifiso Maseko References: Fleminger, D; Swaziland,
the Queen Regent duly sent him to Lovedale in Sobhuza II with the blessing of Sibaya, took
Southbound Travel Guide
Best of eSwatini
49
NOT ALL KINGS ARE BORN EQUAL Most Kings reign over one nation but a special few like His Majesty King Mswati III as predicted by his birth name Makhosetive, reigns over many nations.
KING OF NATIONS
Lindimpi regiment had been flying for almost a
On the night of April 19, 1968, four children were
year.
born at the Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital – two boys and two girls. One of the baby boys
Prince Makhosetive was very active as a young
was the child of Ntfombi Tfwala, one of the
child and many people who knew him then, say
youngest Emakhosikati to King Sobhuza II.
he was full of energy and adventure – he liked challenges. He joined the Lindimpi regiment
As the country was preparing for Independence
while he was still young and first danced the
in four months’ time and with guests from over
national Incwala when he was only two years
42 countries from all around the world having
of age, in front of his father King Sobhuza II. He
accepted the invitation to the celebrations,
also joined other children in ploughing, weeding
where King Sobhuza II was expecting Kings
and harvesting royal fields at Mfabantfu, and
and Heads of State from many countries, he
also herded royal cattle whenever he had time.
decided to name his baby boy “Makhosetive”
He enjoyed hunting as a child - he hunted wild
(King of Nations). His birth was also six days
birds with his pellet gun and when he grew
before the first anniversary of National Flag Day
older, he went with King Sobhuza II to Butimba,
– when the blue, red and gold colours of the
to join the royal hunting party at Hlane.
Best of eSwatini
51
A Swazi monarch is known as Ngwenyama, meaning Lion in the country’s Siswati language
He enjoyed marching and drilling to the extent
in December 1982 at Phondo Royal Residence
that when he was four years old, he wanted to
and received a First Class with merit in
become a member of the Royal guard. A year
Mathematics and English.
later, his dream was fulfilled when he became the first young cadet to join the Umbutfo Swaziland
When King Sobhuza II passed away on August
Defence Force (USDF). He was later joined by
21, 1982, Prince Makhosetive was away on a
boys of his age. When he was not at school,
hunting mission given by the King and, on his
he spent his spare time training with soldiers at
return heard the sad news, which shattered not
Masundvwini Army Barracks near Etjeni Royal
only him and the nation but also the entire world.
residence where he resided.
Indlovukazi Dzeliwe then became the Queen Regent and Head of State.
In 1976 he started his formal education at Masundvwini Royal School (now known as
From the beginning Prince Makhosetive was
Masundvwini
was
destined to be King. Even before he was named
established by King Sobhuza II and Inkhosikati
Crown Prince, Prince Makhosetive was often
who, at that stage, had also cultivated an
LaMasuku in 1965 to teach royal children.
seen by his father’s side in many important
enduring taste for the sport – as he was often
King Sobhuza II used to spend time with him
official, ceremonial and casual functions. For
seen dancing Sibhaca with his friends at
telling him about the country’s progress and
example, when King Sobhuza II launched the
Masundvwini Primary School under the tutelage
development.
Lilangeni currency in 1974, at his side was
of one of the best coaches of the sport.
Primary
School)
which
Prince Makhosetive. When he went to visit the
52
Prince Makhosetive was popular at Lozitha
new Nhlangano Holiday Inn and Casino, at his
Unlike in other Royal systems, where the eldest
because of his academic excellence, as well as
side was Prince Makhosetive. So too when he
son automatically becomes the heir, that is not
his ability to resolve problems – and took part in
went to Ntfonjeni on his annual visit to watch
the case with the Swazi tradition. The man
the 1982 Science Fair in Siteki. He later sat for
the special Sibhaca Championships, often
(normally young) in order to be the heir, must
the Swaziland Primary Certificate examination
accompanying him was Prince Makhosetive,
qualify according to certain royal criteria. He is
Best of eSwatini
in fact selected by the inner council of the royal family only after the death of the King. No one therefore knows beforehand who is to be the next King. The news that Makhosetive had become Crown Prince to succeed King Sobhuza II, remained guarded for a long time. It was not until at least December, four months after King Sobhuza II was buried, that his name started filtering out of the Royal circles. It was thus at only 14 years of age that Prince Makhosetive was selected from among the other princes and whisked away to stay at the Phondo Royal Residence with his mother, then Inkhosikati LaThwala (before she was Queen Mother), while the three months mourning period remained in force.
Normal life Growing up, Prince Makhosetive lived a life no different from that of his peers. He played the popular sport soccer and liked hunting birds. Prince Makhosetive was also an enthusiastic feature in military drills, leading his own platoon of soldiers (young cadets). The young prince was often also a sought after dashing pageboy for several of his
Best of eSwatini
53
brother’s weddings. He was pageboy at Prince
Khula Mlisa
Bhekimpi’s ear in height. During subsequent
Mahlalengangeni’s wedding and again donned
The second visit home after the 1983 introduction
visits, they were the same height and when he
a black suit and bow-tie as pageboy for Prince
to Chiefs and the nation was during the
returned home, he was much taller and more
Phika when he too got married.
Christmas holidays. Each time the Crown Prince
confident than ever.
visited home, there would be great excitement Soon after becoming Crown Prince in August
throughout the entire nation, and his departure
“Khula Mlisa” was the cry that reverberated from
1982, the dashing Crown Prince was whisked
would be just as equally colourful at the airport.
people when he finally stepped out of the Royal Swazi plane, returning home for the coronation.
away to the United Kingdom where he was enrolled at the Sherbourne public school in
Not once during these visits home was he
Dorset, where he resumed his formal education
heard uttering a word and the public mostly
School days in England
in preparation for his future role as King.
did not know what his voice sounded like until
Umntfwana Makhosetive went off to school
his Coronation. He would occasionally be seen
in England in almost the same romantic way
When the Crown Prince went away to England
quietly chatting with the then Prime Minister,
in which his father King Sobhuza II, went to
a dark cloud befell the Nation. Traditionalist and
Prince Bhekimpi before flying off at Matsapha
Lovedale in the Cape Province (South Africa).
reformists went head to head. This infighting
Airport, but that would be all. During these visits,
Lovedale at the time was especially set up for
within the Royal family eventually resulted in
he would only communicate with members of
children of African leaders in the British Empire
Regent Dzeliwe being replaced by Queen
the public during the airport ceremonies by
in the Southern African region. Sherbourne
Ntfombi as regent. In the midst of this the
waving a hand.
School in Dorset, England, on the other hand, also claims distinctions in its own right, mainly
Crown Prince had to hastily return to be officially
54
‘shown’ to the nation. This calming effect meant
Many commentators observed that he was
as the school where one of the great English
the Crown Prince could then return to England
physically growing up fast and during his first
Kings, Albert the Great of Round Table fame,
to finish his grooming.
visit in 1983, he was slightly above Prince
was educated.
Best of eSwatini
Thanks to Umntfwana, today Sherbourne has a special relationship with Swaziland. For instance, in March 1988, the school appointed a Swazi as its principal. However, the reasons
It was also in England where Umntfwana’s
good social standing from Swaziland in a foreign
for sending him there in 1983 were the same
love for sportsmanship and music blossomed.
environment.
as those of 1917 – 66 years earlier – namely to
Never missing a chance to dabble in tennis
empower him to be better suited to deal with
and football during his spare time and playing
One of the boys who welcomed him to the family
the changing state of affairs brought about by
the piano was also at the top of his list. His
was Clifford Mamba. “The Crown prince was a
modernity. By all accounts it appears that even
schoolmates, who found the name Makhosetive
boarder but came to our place during school
with Crown Prince Makhosetive, there were
cumbersome, rechristened him ‘Mac’. He also
holidays. We were told by our parents about his
traditional elements who did not wish for him to
established a reputation for making good friends
coming to stay with us in advance and how we
sniff any Western or foreign influences. But the
for both himself and the country – some of his
were supposed to engage with him - basically
progressive elements prevailed.
friends even visiting him in Swaziland after his
to make him feel at home and as comfortable as
coronation.
possible. They wanted him to be a regular fellow and to just be himself.”
As part of his sojourn to Dorset, the Crown Prince received proper security facilities to protect
Holidays in England
him, including a top intelligence officer with a
During school holidays in England the young
Mamba added that his parents wanted the
security team. A group of boys of the Prince’s
Crown Prince would stay with the Mamba family.
prince to experience many things – they wanted
age, who were close to him, were also taken
Sir George Mamba was the High Commissioner
to expose him to different situations so that
along to stay with him. It was the responsibility
of Swaziland to England at the time. The family
later in life, he would be able to relate to people
of the Swaziland High Commission in London to
of five children was perfect for the prince
from all different walks of life. This would prove
ensure the maintenance of this ‘Swazi’ village.
enabling him to quickly acclimatise with peers of
to be prophetic! Mamba describes the King as
Best of eSwatini
55
someone who liked smiling a lot and said he
liked history a lot in terms of how things are, how
Lesotho High Commissioner’s residence – their
was indeed a likeable guy.
they happen and the way things were done in
neighbours – he accompanied them and when
the past.
he heard the music from outside, he said, “Cha
“He had a great sense of humour; he was also
titabe tibila lena.”
confident when discussing issues and would
As boys, they would stay up long into the night,
always pick our brains,” recalls Mamba.
chatting, playing games or watching movies.
Another of his traits they recall is how good
The Crown Prince was very competitive such
he is with faces. One time when they were out
Shy but inquisitive
that he would win most of the card games
shopping the Crown prince recognised a group
The Mamba family relates how when he first
they played such as ‘crazy-8’, casino, sisu and
of young men who were soldiers coming in their
arrived, the Crown Prince appeared shy,
many others. In terms of television, his mainstay
direction. This was on account that the future
probably because he was new in a foreign
was action movies such as Rambo, MacGyver,
King, enjoyed watching soldiers march when
country and was still learning to adapt to the new
amongst others.
in Swaziland and definitely recognised them as
environment. As they got to know each other,
Swazis. They quickly took a detour and when
his inquisitive side started showing as he was
What was also evident to them was that the
they looked back, the soldiers were also now
forever asking questions, wanting to learn more
prince was a very good dancer. He knew most of
walking in the opposite direction. They also had
and to know more about a range of issues –
the current moves and if he didn’t, the youngest
clearly recognised Umntfwana.
from childhood things to economic and political
of the Mamba brothers would teach him and
issues. In as much as he tried to be regular, they
he would pick up the moves fairly quickly. He
Royal Protocol
used to be unsure of how to treat him at times.
became good at break-dancing, moon-walking
During his stay in England, members of the royal
They however gave him respect and tried to give
and all the Michael Jackson dance moves that
family would occasionally send delegations
him as much space as possible. However, he
were popular at the time.
to monitor his progress and other matters affecting his upbringing. During this period of his
was one person who wanted to be engaged
56
and one did not know what to expect when
However he was not allowed to go to parties with
absence many members of the royal family and
discussing issues as he would surprise you with
them and they could tell this made him unhappy.
some Cabinet members continued to quarrel,
his eloquence. He also liked to talk politics and
One time when they did go to a party at the then
sometimes with disastrous consequences.
Best of eSwatini
It was towards the end of 1984 that the ‘Lusaseni’ became a household name among Speculation was rife with what he would have
and the start of the transition period. It was
those who were following events at Lobamba
liked to happen during his absence.
carried through the eastern gate to the new
and the royal household in general. In terms of
location, about a kilometre east, towards the
royalty, it is the home of the Crown Prince before
Mhlambanyatsi River.
he becomes iNgwenyama.
A year later (1984) to counter such speculation it was decided that a Lusasa be built for the
Crowning at the cattle byre
future King at Ludzidzini (later to become the
While
new Royal residence) – to mark his transition
regiments sang traditional songs used in the
Many believe that the coronation of King Mswati
from boyhood to manhood. Lutsango was to
past as marching songs by regiments on their
III happened when he appeared at Somhlolo
start cutting the grass for the thatching of the
way to battle. They sang throughout the walk to
Stadium on the 26th of April 1986 to read his
new home, according to custom. Tingabisa
the new Lusasa where the hut was reinstalled
maiden speech; but in truth the coronation
were also to be summoned later, for the first
whole.
happened the previous day, on the 25th, inside
they
carried
the
Indlunkhulu,
the
ceremony of Umhlanga (Reed Dance) since
the royal cattle byre at the then Lusaseni.
1981 as during the mourning period, such
Ingwenyama
royal festivities were banned. Meanwhile, the
Custom dictates that the future Monarch should
On this day tons of logs cut from all over the
regiments started cutting and fetching logs for
never enter the same home where his father had
country had been used to expand the kraal
building houses and the Royal Kraal.
lived. According to tradition, the future Monarch
almost threefold to accommodate the almost
of Swaziland should also never touch items
10 000 people that attended. As soon as the
which were touched by his father.
trombones were sounded the kraal was quickly
The actual move from the old Lobamba to Ludzidzini started with the removal of the
filled to the brim.
Indlunkhulu. This is the hut that belongs to
While his Lusasa (for him and his mother, who
the King’s principal wife, laMatsebula. The hut,
was to become Indlovukazi) was being prepared
After an hour of regiments chanting ancient
which has the traditional reed wind barriers is
Crown Prince Makhosetive was taken away to a
songs of Kingship, the Crown Prince entered
renewed every year to keep the royal residence
special place where he underwent certain Royal
Sibaya from the western gate reserved for the
looking impeccable. It was broken down for
rituals. This special home eventually became
Royal family. He headed straight for the special
the first time to mark the end of an old era
eLusaseni.
enclosure to which the King and the special
Best of eSwatini
57
priest of the Mkhatshwa clan are allowed. Later he departed the enclosure and left the kraal through the western gate, and headed for the inner regions of the Royal residence as the regiments continued to sing and dance. When he returned for the second time, he was dressed in the ceremonial regalia of a King. Fully dressed up, the King sported a massive headdress of black feathers of the sakabuli (widow bird). The King’s headdress also had flowing plumes on both sides of the head and
regiments surged forward in a cloud of dust to
weather was also invariably acting in concert
three huge white feathers of the purple crested
beat their shields on the ground, in a traditional
with the nation’s spirit, said many commentators.
Loire bird, Ligwalagwala and wearing the skin
show of allegiance. This also included each of
of a fully grown leopard, the King stood before
the princes present, blood brothers of the new
Many will remember that the first week of April
the regiments.
monarch, each stepping forward to beat their
was one of the coldest, with that perpetual
shields before the new King.
Swazi drizzle which makes life a misery yet dreamy. Among those who attended the
Senior prince of the Royal Residence, Prince Mboni was officiating and with him was the royal
The Coronation was a big day
welcoming party was Prince Charles and Prince
family and the Queen Mother. Standing before
On the morning of April 26th 1986, magic was
Michael of Kent, who represented the British
the almost 10 000 strong regiments who kept a
in the air. The whole country was on its feet –
Throne at the coronation, were shivering at
deadly silence, the Crown Prince Makhosetive,
marching to Somhlolo National Stadium, where
the British Residence at St Michael’s Road.
flanked on either side by all his brothers, raised
the nation was eager to see for the first time the
However, on the big day the clouds and the
his right hand and repeated after Prince Mboni
King who had been crowned the previous day.
mist blew away and disappeared south, leaving behind conditions which mellowed into a cool to
the pledge that he would lead the Swazi nation “with all his strength and be justly”.
People showed up at the stadium in their
warm afternoon.
thousands, on foot, on trucks and on whatever
58
Prince Mboni then announced that Prince
had wheels that day. Somhlolo had received,
There were many invited guests who showed
Makhosetive was now King, and from then
over the past months preceding the coronation,
up for the coronation at the stadium. Almost all
on, was to be known as King Mswati III.
special renovations to accommodate as many
the countries in the world were represented as
A thundering roar of BAYETHE ensued as
of the expected multitudes as possible. The
a matter of fact.
Best of eSwatini
I have pledged myself to your service, and
Your Majesty the Indlovukati
throughout my life and with all my heart, I shall
Your Majesties Your
Excellencies,
Heads
of
State
and
try to be worthy of your trust.
government Your Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic
In this resolve, however, I can only be inspired
Corps
by the loyalty and counsel of those who’s King I
Distinguished guests
have been called upon to be.
Ladies and gentlemen! A King is a King by his people. It is hard for me to find words in which to welcome you all to this occasion. Many
This is the theme of our social and political
thousands of you have come here from all
thought, a sacred part of our way of life outplays
regions of this Kingdom, and from many parts
this principle; we will go forward together in
of the world, to join in the ceremony.
peace, seeking justice for all mankind.
It is my special privilege to welcome the Heads
Although my experience is short and I am new to
of State and government who have, by their
this task, I have my predecessors, an example I
presence here, graced this occasion. I am
can follow with certainty and confidence.
conscious, too, of the thousands of other people who are sharing in these ceremonies by
I also have behind me, not only the sacred
means of radio or television in their homes. The
traditions and customs of centuries, but also
knowledge that all of you, near and far, are by
the living strength of people united in spirit and
God’s will, united in spirit and purpose, gives me
in aim.
strength to face the challenges and tasks that lie ahead.
Accordingly, I will continue to protect and preserve our revered traditional institutions,
Prince Michael was there to represent Queen
Following upon various traditional ceremonies,
allowing them to develop in line with our cultural
Elizabeth just as he did previously at King
spread over nearly three years, I have now
evolution.
Sobhuza’s funeral. The United States was represented by Maureen Reagan. Leading the elders of Africa, seated in the front row, was Kenneth Kaunda, who also spoke on behalf of the continent. President Samora Machel, from Mozambique, sat beside President Pieter Botha of South Africa, President Quett Masire
been called upon to assume the duties and responsibilities of sovereignty. Throughout that
In addition, I will work to strengthen the hands
memorable period, I have been encouraged and
of friendship that already exist between this
sustained by the knowledge that your thoughts
Kingdom and the international community.
and prayers are with me and the Indlovukati. For the years that I may, by God’s grace and I have been aware all the time that my people
mercy, be given to reign and serve you as your
at home and abroad were united to support me
King, I shall endeavour to work, as my father did
a close friend of King Sobhuza II. King Bereng
in the task to which I have now been dedicated
throughout his reign, and to advance the unity,
Seiso Moshoeshoe II also graced the occasion.
with such solemnity. The ceremonies you
happiness and prosperity of my people.
The King from the Kingdom of Lesotho had been
have witnessed in the two days are ancient,
a close friend who often visited King Sobhuza II
and some of their origins are now veiled in the
I pray that God will help me to discharge worthily
and delivered a speech at the coronation, as did
shadows of the past.
this heavy task that has been laid upon me so
of Botswana sat in the front row at the space once reserved for President Sir Seretse Khama,
early in my life.
President Samora Machel. But their spirit and their meaning still shine However, the highlight of the afternoon was the
through the ages, particularly in today’s world
speech delivered by the new King, His Majesty
where splendid traditions have been lost or
King Mswati III;
tarnished by history.
God bless you all.
Best of eSwatini
59
KING OF NATIONS
taking control the King disbanded the Liqoqo
after independence most leadership on the
In September later that year as is the custom
– which had been part of the infighting and
continent was imposed to serve neo-colonial
with all new Kings so as to officially assume the
followed this up by reshuffling the cabinet.
interests and not those of the indigenous
throne and perform his first Incwala the King
More reforms where to come as the King
people.
married his first wife from the Matsebula clan.
tried to walk a fine line between tradition
Thus the new King moved from his Lusasa to
and modernity – notably streamlining the
This is the reason many nationalities can
his Sigodlo finally assuming full Kingship.
Tinkhundla System of Government. The most
today call Swaziland home. All nationalities
enduring of his immediate reforms however,
both black and white are welcomed with
In African culture your name is your destiny.
was appointing a Constitutional Review
open arms as days of old. This shouldn’t be
Being the King of a Nation is hard enough,
Commission in 1996 – resulting in a new
surprising since Swazi culture is as old as
but being the king of many nations is nearly
Constitution for the country in 2006.
Africans themselves. In both practice and spirit therefore Mswati is the true custodian of the
impossible. But true to his birth name –
60
Makhosetive – King Mswati III has lived up to
From the onset however, King Mswati III
his name.
represented much more than just Head
diminishing African spirit of hospitality.
of State of Swaziland, he represented the
King Mswati III is indeed ‘King of nations”.
During the Regency of Dzeliwe and then Queen
aspirations of many Africans from around the
Happy 50th wena waphakathi!
Ntfombi there had been much strife leading to
continent and the world at large. Unity and
His Majesty’s coronation. Immediately after
African identity. This speaks to the fact that
Best of eSwatini
By Sifiso Maseko
Best of eSwatini
61
62
Best of eSwatini
Indlovukazi Queen Mother Ntfombi “It has always been my dream as Mother of the Nation, to uplift the standard of living of our people. Women in the rural areas, have to a large extent, been left behind and it has been a lifelong desire to improve their lives. As a nation, we should all put our heads together, move forward and sustain the peaceful conditions and security of purpose that we have enjoyed over the years. Peace is a rare commodity which should be guarded jealously by all. I cannot over emphasize the fact that culture remains our true identity as a nation, and it is through such identity that we are a model of what Africa originally was. At the same time, we embody the dynamism of our time. This is our country, the one and only we have.”
On the footsteps of Queen Regent labotsibeni on the contribution towards development
allow her son, Bhunu, to go to school so he
Indlovukazi Labotsibeni, popularly known
learn the White man’s culture, lest he should
as Gwamile, made significant contributions
discard his own and adopt a foreign one.
could communicate with the Boers without assistance of an interpreter. She flatly refused; saying there was no need for her son to
towards the country’s development and the liberation of the Republic of South Africa. She
The loss of Swazi nation land through the
was very courageous indeed.
notorious land concessions taught her a lesson; that the pen was really mightier
At the time when white people began to
than the sword and that dependence on
arrive in large numbers in the Kingdom of
interpreters was not necessary. She thus
Swaziland she had a son and named him
ordered her grandson Mona (His Majesty
Bhunu, and like his father King Mbandzeni, he
King Sobhuza II) should go to school, and
was illiterate. It was suggested to her that she
he did.
Best of eSwatini
63
For that, Zombodze Primary School was established not only for the education of members of the Royal household and Chiefs; but commoners as well. Matsapha High School was established in 1932 after her death in 1925. Indlovukazi Labotsibeni also laid the foundation for
adult
education
at
Zombodze
Royal
Residence where a certain white lady Mrs. Bretchtenbach organised Swazi women and taught them weaving skills. On the economic front she established the Lifa Funds whose
other things means there would be no King
through massive national consultations that the
purpose was to buy back land that had been
without the Indlovukazi, and the Monarchy as an
King and Indlovukazi get to know the pulse of
“grabbed� by the white settlers through the
institution would be incomplete without her. In
the nation pertaining national decision that may
intrigues of imperialism. With respect to
the present case, the incumbent Indlovukazi is
have to be taken. Swaziland is also blessed
international relations she aligned Swaziland
the biological mother of His Majesty King Mswati
with a leadership that holds strongly to Christian
with the South African National Native Congress
III. A King becomes King after the identification
values.
(SANCC), now the African National Congress
of his mother as the qualifying Inkhosikati of the
(ANC).
departed King to become the Queen Mother
Succession
and may be the Regent until her son comes of
It is important to understand that not everyone
age to be anointed as King of the Swazi Nation.
qualifies to be in the most senior royal grouping
The mother of our nation Apart from being the pillar of strength to our
64
of Princes (Ligunqa Lebantfwabenkhosi) that
leader His Majesty King Mswati III, Her Majesty
Her official residence is presently Ludzidzini Royal
may choose the next Indlovukazi, who would in
Indlovukazi has ensured a successful crusade
Residence, which by normal standards would
turn be the mother of the Crown Prince. Only
to assist the under privileged members of Swazi
be referred to, as the King’s parental home. It
senior Princes and Princesses from Senior Royal
society. Despite all the challenges which one
is at Ludzidzini Royal Residence that all national
households, including the governor, qualify to
encounters when on the throne Indlovukazi has
events and meetings are held. The Indlovukazi
undertake this important, heavy task.
stood firmly on her feet and has never forgotten
is an instrumental figure in the preservation of
to acknowledge the importance of teamwork,
culture, particularly for women. She is always
They are expected to do so without fear or
respect and humbling oneself.
at the forefront in the drive to enhance culture
favour for the future and stability of the country.
and never misses a chance to instill to young
It must be explained that a Swazi King should
Her Majesty the Indlovukazi is at the centre of
children that culture is the future and identity of
not have a biological brother. He should be the
the nucleus of the Swazi Nation and its culture.
the Swazi nation. His Majesty the Ingwenyama
only son of the chosen Inkhosikati, who would in
By virtue of being the mother of the nation,
also does that. The two complement each other
turn be the Indlovukazi.
she is seen as the central figure in the cradle
in holding the country together as the unifying
of culture and traditions and the core fiber of
figures of the nation looking upon them as the
Farming
sacred rituals of the Swazi people. This, among,
God anointed guides of national direction. It is
Despite the security and protocol present at
Best of eSwatini
the Royal Residence, Indlovukazi is determined
social development. Indlovukazi has always
from businesses, the public sector, the NGO
to set a good example for the Swazi Nation by
emphasised the need for Swaziland to forge
community and other entities to address this
displaying a spirit of self-reliance and hard work.
and maintain strong ties with other nations. She
challenge.
Her Majesty is thus actively engaged in farming
has always spoken about peace and global
within the corridors of the Royal Residence.
harmony.
The organisation caters for the holistic needs of the vulnerable elderly and children, such
The queen through her farming projects sets a great example that through minimal or organic
Women empowerment patron
as the provision of food, medical assistance,
farm inputs one can succeed in farming thus
Her Majesty Indlovukazi is patron head of
clothes, school uniforms and burial facilities for
providing food for their families.
all women in the country and their main
those who may lose their lives or loved ones.
regiment known as Lutsango LwakaNgwane.
The organisation is indeed credited with having
The Queen’s special relationship with the soil has
Indlovukazi has fought hard to push the agenda
revived hope in the lives of our senior citizens
promoted the spirit that no one is forced to join
of empowering women and achieving the
and other vulnerable sections of the Swazi
her in the fields and whoever comes around to
goals of Lutsango. It is through Lutsango that
society.
assist does so at their own volition. Indlovukazi
Indlovukazi has reached out to empower rural
produces healthy traditional food which includes
women in the Kingdom. She has time and again
In 2015 Philani Maswati launched a record
groundnuts, beans, cassava, sweet potatoes,
reminded the nation that the cornerstone of rural
breaking attempt to be featured in the Guinness
maize and tinhlumaya. The Queen juggles her
development and economic empowerment was
World Records by organizing a Charity braai
time also on the raising of indigenous chickens,
through Lutsango.
event which would have seen a total of 3 000 people braaing simultaneously for 30 minutes.
rabbits, goats and cattle.
Following the event’s success at the launch, the
Diplomacy
Philani Maswati Charity Organisation
In recent years Her Majesty Indlovukazi has
The organisation was formed by the Indlovukazi
event which is now staged annually on July 22.
forged relations with other women leaders
to address the sad plight of the poor and the
around the world. The Smart-Partnership
elderly scattered around rural Swaziland. Seeing
Global Initiative bestowed upon her a gold
that the elderly faced some serious problems,
Khulisa Umntfwana (raising the Swazi child)
medal in appreciation of her role in the country’s
the Indlovukazi set out to mobilize resources
Indlovukazi’s vision of a healthy Swazi nation
organisation declared the event as a national
Best of eSwatini
65
is not only limited to charitable input, but it is also her determination to see the Swazi nation having vibrant young men and women, guided by strong moral values grounded in life saving cultural traditions. Khulisa Umntfwana aims at supporting children and parents in the reinstatement, instilling and strengthening of positive cultural and moral ethics and values in their child rearing practices, role modeling and full commitment to their responsibility of parenting. Indlovukazi during her national courtesy visits and charity work has expressed concern on the increasing reports on sections of the country’s youths bad behavior which includes amongst other things early sexual relations, teenage pregnancy, exposure to STIs and HIV/AIDS and drug abuse. It was then that Her Majesty launched the
finds international markets. The quality is not
approved gel to make fire. The gel is identified
compromised and always meets international
as an alternative energy source which is used on
standards.
a specifically manufactured stove of good and
organisation in 1998 and during the launch Her
Swazi secrets
issue of HIV/AIDS.
Her Majesty again propelled by a desire
Swaziland trading house This entity was established to facilitate reliable markets for rural folk products. Her Majesty Indlovukazi emphasised the need to help them find good markets for their wares. This came about after she raised concern about some unscrupulous individuals who had taken advantage of the plight of rural folk to short change them.
to empower rural women, promoted the
Swaziland Women’s Economic Empowerment Trust (Sweet)
commercialisation of the Marula fruit. It all started
This project was established in 2008 by Her
as a dream to assist poor women generating
Majesty the Queen Mother, in her capacity as
an income from the natural products that
the Patron for the National Social Dialogue,
grow around them. With poverty being a major
with the objective of establishing a Woman
challenge in the rural areas, she saw the need
Empowerment Fund or a “Women’s Bank”.
to use what was readily available to generate
The formation of SWEET was a responsive
income for the people. Swazi Secrets uses the
machinery to address the socio-economic,
Marula fruit to produce world-class beauty and
development challenges faced by women, in
health products that are sold all over the world.
rural communities in particular.
Cultural industries like handcrafts have been
Today, these products are highly sought after
identified among the key industries with high
both internationally and within Swaziland for
The vision of SWEET is to uplift the lives of
export potential mainly benefiting rural women
their organic properties.
all Swazi Women by creating wealth through
and the youth, increasing the potential of their
their effort, irrespective of their backgrounds.
craft to change their economic status and
Greenheat products
SWEET facilities; links, monitors, evaluates, and
livelihoods.
The product’s introduction was jointly officiated
coordinates with existing women empowerment
in the country by His Majesty King Mswati III
and poverty reduction initiatives and to bring
the
and Her Majesty the Indlovukazi. The products
into the mainstream the unbanked grassroots
products in bulk at competitive prices and
are environmentally friendly and use an expert
rural community of women.
Swaziland
66
lasting quality.
Majesty expressed her deep concern on the
Trading
Best of eSwatini
House
purchases
Mother Ntfombi, Indlovukazi of Swaziland. The
African Heads of States recognition. Recently
Queen Mother was awarded for, among others,
whilst on official duty the Queen had the honor
her leadership in various agricultural innovations
of being awarded with the medal of the Grand
in Swaziland. These include the mushroom
Cross of the Order of Independence of the
farming project which was initiated on her
Republic of Equatorial Guinea by the Head
request and was run by TICA in cooperation
of State of Equatrorial Guinea, H.E. Obiang
with
Foundation
Nguema Mbasango. The event, which took
and Swaziland’s Ministry of Agriculture and
place in the People’s Palace in Malabo on the
Cooperatives. The project addresses food
evening of June 6, 2012 and was attended by
The key basic principles guiding SWEET are:
security and generates income for the country’s
various personalities, among whom was the
• Ensuring training accompanies lending
farmers and creates jobs for local women.
First Lady of the Nation, Constancia Mangue de
Thailand’s
Phra
Dabos
Obiang, as well as the First and Second Vice
• Integrating social intermediation • Instilling a culture of saving-mobilisation, by
Indlovukazi also secured a goat market for
Presidents of the Republic, Ignacio Milan Tang
so doing reducing the culture and perception
Swazis in the Seychelles. As part of these
and Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue.
of depending on subsidies
initiatives, Swazi goat breeders export their
• Levying minimal interest rate
goats to the Seychelles. The Swazi indigenous products project of the Queen Mother. This
Our present and past mothers of the nation
helps poor rural Swazi women to generate
• Ntfombi Tfwala
income from natural products. It is now owned
• Dzeliwe Shongwe
by member groups of rural suppliers and also
• Seneneleni Ndwandwe
assists with social development by supporting
• Zihlati Ndwandwe
It is envisaged that SWEET will play a pivotal role
self-help
• Nukwase Ndwandwe
as an apex organisation in influencing women
programme.
• Equity
participation
where
possible
by
members • Graduating the matured micro-enterprises into the formal banking sector
groups
and
a
rural
livelihood
• Lomawa Ndwandwe • Labotsibeni Mdluli
policies through advocacy and lobbying in consultation with interveners on the ground. It
In her joint ruling of the country with the King,
• Tibati Nkambule
is recognised that women need secure financial
the Queen Mother is regarded as a spiritual and
• Sisile Khumalo
services which can enable the poor to borrow,
national head of state, with real power counter-
• Tsandzile Ndwandwe
save, build assets, increase incomes and
balancing that of the King and is a Companion of
• Lojiba Simelane
overcome the poverty trap in the long run.
the Commonwealth Partnership for Technology
• Lokubheka Mndzebele
Management.
• Loyaka Ndwandwe
Honoured for leadership role in development
Grand cross honour
The award for Food Security Policy Leadership
The Queen’s effort on development has not
Award was awarded to her Majesty, Queen
only been limited locally but has attracted fellow
Best of eSwatini
67
CHAPTER 2
PHILANTROPHY AND ICONS OF SWAZILAND
“Swazi Milling 1959” The first business and birthplace of the Kirsh Group
Young Kirsh in the fields
Kirsh Holdings/ Swaki & the Kirsh Family Foundation Natie Kirsh is the Kingdom’s most well-known businessman and certainly the most generous private philanthropist the country has known. His route to success and wealth started in Swaziland, exactly 60 years before the celebrations marked by this book. While Natie has lived outside Swaziland since the mid-1970’s, he remains a Swazi citizen. He visits each year, often with his extended family, and maintains a house in Ezulwini. He remains in control of Kirsh Holdings/Swaki and directs its affairs from wherever in the world his business takes him. He has often expressed his wish to retire one day to his Swazi home. These days, Natie’s focus has been increasingly on giving back to the country where he made his independent start in business. For a number of years, no dividends have been paid from his Swazi interests and all profits are used for philanthropic purposes in the Kingdom. In addition, the Kirsh Family Foundation brings in large amounts of funding to supplement Swaki’s own philanthropic activities. Natie is that remarkable person: someone who hands out more than he receives in the Kingdom.
70
Best of eSwatini
Seedlings at Farm Chemicals
Natie’s 60 year love affair with Swaziland is a
He cajoled his brother, mother, bank manager,
story of passion, perseverance and boldness:
friends and potential investors to back him and
exactly the characteristics he encourages in the
returned triumphantly to Swaziland with the
18,350 (and still growing) Swazis he has helped
necessary funds to begin the business.
start businesses in the Kingdom. The founding stone of Swaziland Milling was It is a story worth telling as one small part of the
laid in February, 1959: it can still be seen in
history of Swaziland in its recent past.
Manzini today, at the premises of the very same company.
Maize Milling Natie arrived in the Kingdom for the first time in
That first season the rains fell in abundance
July 1958. He was just 26 years old.
and the farmers came from far and wide with a record crop, totally overwhelming the new
Natie was on a fact-finding mission to learn if
business and its warehouse capacity. Natie had
there was the possibility to open a sorghum
committed to buying all the Kingdom’s crop and
brewery – which had been his father’s family
he was as good as his word, even though it
being built in the new township of Coates Valley,
business in his home town of Potchefstroom in
meant sinking deeper into debt.
the family lived in that 70 square metre flat which doubled up as Natie’s office during the day.
South Africa. The British colonial government of the time in Mbabane advised him that the malt
Improbably, the business made a profit of
industry had been reserved for returning soldiers
under 100 pounds that first year, increasing
Expansion
from the 2nd World War, but did he perhaps
exponentially in the years that followed. The
Meanwhile, with the maize milling under control
know anything about maize milling? The answer
gamble had paid off and Natie – and his nascent
and bringing him into contact with farmers, he
was, “No, but I’m willing to find out”.
Swazi business – was up and running.
realised that there was an opportunity to meet the demand for all agricultural inputs such
At that time, there was no maize mill in Swaziland
For the first 6 months of his life in Swaziland,
as seed, fertiliser, tractors and sprinklers. His
and all the country’s maize harvest was first
Natie commuted by car back and forth between
access to most of the nation’s shopkeepers,
exported to Natal, where it was milled and then
Manzini and Potchefstroom, a distance of
and his reputation as an honest, professional
re-imported back into Swaziland for sale. The
over 500 kilometres, so that he could spend
operator, allowed him to expand beyond maize
government wanted to create its own milling
weekends with his family in South Africa while
to a whole range of products to a point where he
capacity but they needed an investor to operate
living space was being built in Swaziland. That
very quickly became Swaziland’s pre-eminent
it. They were offering a 5-year monopoly on the
would be a feat of endurance even today, with
entrepreneur and business owner, with an
condition that the operator had to guarantee to
highways. Imagine the challenge in the late
empire that stretched into most facets of the
buy all the maize produced by Swazi farmers at
1950’s, when the only tarred road in Swaziland
Kingdom’s commercial environment.
a purchase and sale price fixed by Government.
was a 100 metre stretch outside the Resident Commissioner’s office in Mbabane.
To
satisfy
the
financial
requirements
of
customers when buying tractors, trucks and
Over the next 7 months, Natie completed a hurried feasibility study and then, deciding to
Finally, at the end of 1959, a tiny flat was
cars, he created a finance company, which
take the plunge, set about raising the 100,000
completed above the office at the mill and Natie
evolved into a bank – Union Bank of Swaziland
pounds he would need to build the mill and
was able to at last move his wife Frances and
– and thereafter arranged for Standard Bank of
warehouses and the operating capital to tide
their two girls Wendy and Linda to Swaziland.
South Africa to establish itself in Swaziland by
him over the first season. Natie owned an
The flat still exists today as offices of Swaziland
taking over Union Bank, with Natie retaining a
inheritance from his father of 1,200 pounds.
Milling. For 2 years, while a new house was
share.
Best of eSwatini
71
Natie, Chairman of SEB
Social Responsibility
SEC’s Ezulwini Hydro Plant
running a major service business, with a heavy
became the first President of the Federation
dependence on excellent professionals. This
of Swaziland Employers and Chamber of
Swaziland Electricity Board
was a lesson he took to heart throughout his
Commerce (FSE and CC). As Chairman of the
While developing his business interests and
subsequent
surrounding
Manzini Club in 1964, Natie successfully steered
making a substantial contribution to the job
himself with the best talent and always
the campaign to rescind the ‘’Whites Only’’
creation needs of the country, Natie Kirsh also
remaining open to advice from his subordinates,
policy, converting the club into a truly multi-racial
took on broader responsibilities to society.
and with a thorough respect for those with more
sport and social facility, open to all.
He became the unpaid chairman of Swaziland
technical knowledge than himself.
business
career,
The breadth of his skills and the extent of
Electricity Board – forerunner to the present Swaziland Electricity Company: he held the
He recalls having to be lead negotiator at the
commitment to his new homeland brought Kirsh
position for 21 years voluntarily accepting
age of 32 in discussions with the World Bank on
to the attention of His Majesty King Sobhuza II,
neither pay nor allowances.
the provision of a major loan for re-structuring
who used him as a source of advice on strategy
and expansion plans for Swaziland’s electricity
and formation when establishing the Imbokodvo
During that time he established a foundation of
grid. These were important learning experiences
Party. He remained influential during the reign
strong technical skills and sound management
for the young Natie for which he has always
of King Sobhuza II and established a similar
practices in that largest of our parastatals. As he
remained grateful to Swaziland.
advisory relationship with His Majesty King Mswati III, primarily on matters of economic
often said, the privilege of being SEB Chairman
72
at such a young age gave him opportunities to
FSE/CC and Manzini Club
and social importance. In recognition of his
observe and learn at first hand the challenges of
Around the same time he established and
contribution to Swaziland, His Majesty appointed
Best of eSwatini
Natie and agriculture
Frances Kirsh with Swazi royalty
Natie at the World Bank
SEC’s Ezulwini Hydro Plant
Natie to be one of the first Chief Councillors of
the casting vote, the Chairmanship of SWAKI in
NATEX and SPINTEX
the Order of King Sobhuza II.
perpetuity, and through the day to day control
With
and management of the company.
employment for many hundreds of Swazis,
SWAKI
the
vision
of
creating
meaningful
and establishing Swaziland as a global leader
In 1972 Natie felt his interests across the
Swaki enjoyed continuous growth and the
in textile production, Natie set about creating
country were too large, and that the Nation
Nation indeed benefitted greatly through SIDC’s
a textile manufacturing industry, literally from
should share in the profits of his Kirsh Holdings
share of the dividends. Over the years, the
scratch.
Group, by making Government his partner.
company proved to be a model of constant
The result was the creation of the National
and dynamic strategic thinking, adjusting to
Industrial Development Company of Swaziland
changing circumstances, under the overall
SPINTEX were formed in 1989 with a textile mill
(NIDCS), under the founding leadership of Dr
leadership of Natie and his successive Chief
and spinning facility that were the most up to
Sishayi Nxumalo. NIDCS was the forerunner
Executive Officers – Bill Firth, Alan Smith and
date in the world. The equipment and methods
of the Swaziland Investment and Development
Paul Friedlander.
were so advanced and to such a high standard
It expanded its portfolio to include such diverse
manufactured textile products to some of the
NICDS was created specifically to hold a 50%
operations as agricultural supplies, vehicle sales
biggest names, both in South Africa and abroad.
investment in the Kirsh Group and a new
(holding the Nissan, Fiat and Mercedes Benz
What should have been an enduring industrial
company called SWAKI was formed to hold
dealerships through TRACAR), asset financing,
miracle for Swaziland was eventually brought to
the assets. Natie retained control of SWAKI,
insurance, fertiliser manufacture, and property
its knees when South Africa decided to open
with his own company Kirsh Holdings holding
development. And also Textiles…
its market to low price competition from China.
The National Textile Co (Pty) Ltd (NATEX) and
that for a number of years NATEX exported
Corporation (SIDC) of today.
Best of eSwatini
73
Inhlanyelo Fund – Fikile Sukati Woman Farmer of the Year 2015
Opening of Natex 1989, Matsapha
By 1998, after a brief but glorious existence,
Philanthropy
have had significant importance for Swazis in the
NATEX was wound up. The irony is that, with the
The name of Natie Kirsh will always be
past 20 years and has contributed substantially
advent of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act
remembered for having contributed so much
to the development of the Nation: Inhlanyelo
in 2002, Natex and Spintex would have been
to the economic and social development of
Fund and the Computer Education Trust.
ideally placed to take advantage of the tariff free
Swaziland. But right from the start, alongside
access to the US market. Sadly, it came too late.
his extraordinary commercial achievements,
Inhlanyelo Fund
Natie quietly and with no fanfare was building a
Inhlanyelo (“Seed”) started back in 1997 with
legacy of philanthropic activity that has become
the then youngest member of Parliament,
his primary focus in the latter stages of his life.
Ntuthuko Dlamini who was part of an investment
End of the Partnership with SIDC and Move into Property In 2009, the relationship with NIDCS (by then reconstituted as SIDC) came to an end. The jointly owned assets were divided, with SIDC taking 100% of the Swazi Plaza Property Group and Kirsh Holdings taking 100% of the
promotion delegation to Taiwan which included Many prominent Swazis today owe their
Natie Kirsh. Natie by then was a very wealthy
education and their start in business life to the
businessman with an expanding global empire.
generosity of Natie. Swaziland’s first orphanage
During their time together, Ntuthuko explained
at Enjabulweni was built from funds provided by
to Natie that his constituents were suffering:
the Kirsh family in the 1960’s.
many of them wanted to start businesses but
commercial entities. Thereafter, a strategic
74
they had no money with which to do it. This
decision was taken by the Kirsh Group to exit
And the Kirsh name has been linked with many
struck a chord with Natie who remembered his
the majority of the original trading companies
hundreds of different projects, large and small,
own struggles with raising of capital to fund his
and turn the focus of the group’s investments to
over the 60 years of Natie’s close association
original milling company, 40 years previously. He
assets and property development.
with the Kingdom. Two initiatives in particular
agreed to help Ntuthuko.
Best of eSwatini
Swaki Head Office, Ezulwini
Following some research, Natie gave E100 000
through the chiefdoms instead, using the
A few statistics are worth recording over the
as seed capital for Ntuthuko’s constituency,
traditional leadership structures.
lifetime of the Fund to date:
projects. When Natie visited the inkhundla he
The model of the Fund is simple: Members
• As of April 2018, 18,350 new businesses
was so impressed that he decided to extend the
of the chiefdom BaNdlancane committees
have been established by Inhlanyelo Fund in
gesture to all 55 constituencies in the country,
work alongside Inhlanyelo employees to vet
establishing in the process a not for profit entity
prospective business ideas from the community.
• With 10 dependents per loan, nearly 20% of
and calling it the Inhlanyelo Fund.
Once these have passed scrutiny, and after
the Nation has benefitted directly from the
LaMghabi, financing a total of seventeen
successful applicants have undertaken basic
Swaziland
Fund
A sum of E100 000 was to be allocated to
training in business management, loans are
• Around 82% of the loans are repaid within
each constituency and, as loans were repaid,
extended and these entrepreneurs establish
12 – 24 months. A remarkable achievement
the money would be re-cycled as loans to new
and run their businesses.
given that these are virtually all first time entrepreneurs
applicants. The scheme found immediate favour with all, providing for the first time the capital
Once all the loans are repaid, the funds are
• 71% of Inhlanyelo’s clients are female
needed for those with no funds, to start their
recycled back into the community (but not
• The majority of clients are over 48 years of
own businesses. Indeed, it was so successful
before). The loans are totally unsecured and
that MPs were being re-elected because it was
the success of the model rests entirely on the
assumed that they had managed to source
commitment of the clients, the success of the
the funds for their constituents. The decision
businesses, and, critically, on the influence of
was therefore taken early on to distribute loans
the traditional leadership in the communities.
age • Around E40 Million has been advanced as loan capital by the Kirsh Group • Around E70 Million has been recycled from loans that have been repaid
Best of eSwatini
75
Natie with Junior Achievement Students and Teachers, 2017
Madwa Weaving Shed, Manzini Region, 2017
Inhlanyelo Fund has certainly proved to have a
education of Swazi learners, the vast majority
By 2009, 130 state high schools had been
massively positive impact on poverty reduction,
of whom were leaving school with no computer
equipped with their laboratories and computers.
job creation and stemming the flow of population
skills and therefore with minimal chance of
IT teachers were still in short supply but schools
from rural to urban.
employment opportunities in many workplaces.
made a plan, with in many cases parents chipping in to pay salaries of external instructors.
Natie has agreed to continue funding Inhlanyelo
He approached His Majesty and offered to fund
for as long as there is a demand to establish
an ambitious project to bring computer literacy
new businesses, and as long as there remains a
within 15 years to all Swazi kids.
culture of repayment. CET was set up in the year 2000 with Dr “Gu” Inhlanyelo is proof that the entrepreneurship
Terence Sibiya as its first director. The agreement
spirit is alive and thriving amongst Swazis and
with Government was that each community with
will continue to be the Kirsh Family’s primary
a high school would build a computer laboratory,
philanthropic focus in the Kingdom for many
Government would provide the IT teachers and
years to come.
place IT into the high school curriculum, and CET would buy and supply 20 computers to
76
However, it became obvious that the remaining 30 schools were located in deeply impoverished rural areas that would never be able to afford the costs involved in building computer labs. So, Natie stepped in and agreed to fund the restructuring of existing classrooms for dualpurposes. CET oversaw and funded these in all the remaining schools, ensuring that each had electricity, alarm systems, burglar-bars and air-conditioning. Around 27 installations were implemented to this design.
Computer Education Trust (CET)
each school and maintain them for the first three
The Computer Education Trust (CET) also started
years after delivery: thereafter this responsibility
By February 2013, every high school then
in 1998. Natie had identified a major gap in the
would revert to Government.
in existence was equipped with labs and
Best of eSwatini
Natie during a presentation to the Supreme Court of Justice, 2018
Wendy Fisher Kirsh with orphans at SOHO Centre, Nhlambeni, 2016
Computer Education Trust (CET)
computers. Swaziland had the distinction of
Over the past 3 years alone, Kirsh funding has
being the first country in Africa – and certainly
benefitted many different entities and individuals,
in most other parts of the developing world –
including:
whose high school students could claim to
• Junior Achievement Swaziland; supporting
be computer literate. Natie’s dream had been realised, 2 years ahead of schedule!
entrepreneurship training in schools • New Hope orphanage; infrastructure and operating costs
At a function at the final school to be computer-
• Scholarships for secondary and tertiary
ised – Vulamasango at Luyengo – Natie Kirsh
institutions
stated his wish that, now his original vision had
• Conservation
been achieved, he would work to bring free
• The administration of Justice
internet to all high schools that could not afford
• Rural women handicrafts
it. This next step is of huge significance for the Nation and is being spearheaded by Natie’s son, Philip Kirsh.
• Arts and culture • Individual social welfare cases • Sports, including training for Olympic athletes
More Philanthropy
The Future
The Kirsh Family’s philanthropic generosity to the
It has been a long and mutually beneficial
Kingdom encompasses far more than Inhlanyelo
relationship between Natie Kirsh and the
Fund and the Computer Education Trust.
Kingdom of Swaziland.
On the occasion of his 60th year of association with Swaziland – and coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the birth of His Majesty King Mswati III and the regaining of national Independence – Natie has announced his decision to endow a new philanthropic entity to be known as “The Kirsh Family Foundation”. The aim is to expand philanthropic activity in the Kingdom into areas that comprise the highest national priorities and to help support His Majesty’s vision of uplifting the lives of all Swazis.
Swaki Email: info@swaki.co.sz Tel: +268 2417 1700
Best of eSwatini
77
Swazi Icons From this modestly sized country comes many prominent and well-known people who have made a significant contribution and difference not just in their field, but for the country as a whole - from politics and business, to sports and to the arts; Swaziland has produced a number of Swazis that the country and Africa can be proud of.
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Constance T. Simelane Constance Simelane is Swaziland’s first female politician to become Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Swaziland. Simelane was born to Funwako Simelane a teacher from KoNtshingila and his wife Judith (née LaNkonyane) from Amsterdam, Mpumalanga and Simelane was the second eldest of their six children. In 1958, under an order
Absalom Themba Dlamini
by King Sobhuza II of Swaziland, Simelane’s father was recalled to Swaziland
Mr. Absalom Themba Dlamini serves as Managing Director of Tibiyo Taka Ngwane. Absalom Themba Dlamini (born December 1, 1950) is a Swazi politician. A.T as he is popularly known is the former Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Swaziland. He was Prime Minister of Swaziland from 26 November 2003 to 16 October 2008.
scholarship program of American Universities and became a student at
to work in the district capital. He taught at a number of high schools before becoming an Ambassador for a number of countries, returning to Swaziland to act as a Minister for finance. He died in 1980. After leaving high school Simelane gained a scholarship from the African Roosevelt University in Chicago where she studied for a degree is social sciences. From Chicago she undertook a Master of Business Administration from the University of Washington before studying advanced purchasing strategies in Austria. Simelane worked as a credit researcher in Chicago, before moving back to Swaziland where she took on the role of Assistant Secretary in the Deputy
He has held executive positions in various local institutions, such as the
Prime Minister’s Office. She then moved to Ethiopia where she worked for
Central Bank of Swaziland, Swaziland National Provident Fund and Swaziland
the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa.
Industrial Development Company. From 1991 he was a Director and CEO of Tibiyo Taka Ngwane, a national organisation dedicated to preserving and
In 2003 Simelane took her place as a member of the House of Assembly
developing economic strategies for Swazi culture. He currently serves on
of Swaziland as one of the 10 Ministers constitutionally allowed by the
other Boards including Ubombo Sugar Company, Mananga Sugar Packers
Monarch, then King Mswati II. She was given the post of Minister of
and Royal Villas.
Education from the date of her appointment. During her time as Education Minister, Simelane introduced a scheme to allow all vulnerable and
He has received awards and honours from among others His Majesty King
orphaned primary and secondary school children to be able to attend
Mswati III (honouring him with the “Royal Medal of the Supreme Adviser of
school, despite the nation demanding a fee for basic education. She
the Royal Decree of King Sobhuza II”) and from the President of the Republic
pledged to release USD$6.4 million to pay for the children effected and
of China in Taiwan. He also serves as the Non-Executive Chairman of the
ordered that all children who presented themselves to schools should
Royal Swaziland Sugar Corporation Limited.
be accepted. Further education programs introduced by Simelane included free school text books for vulnerable children. She also called
78
Dlamini in 1978 attained a Bachelor’s degree at the then University of
upon pregnant girls to be re-admitted to education. From 2004 to 2005
Botswana and Swaziland. In 1987 he also completed a Master’s degree at
Simelane held the position of Chairperson of the Executive Committee of
the University of Nairobi.
the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
Best of eSwatini
Dr Sishayi Nxumalo Dr Sishayi Simon Nxumalo served as a Minister for Industry, Mines and Tourism and was born on May 2, 1936, at Nkambeni in the Manzini district. Educated at Manzini Central School, then St Joseph’s Mission School at Mbuluzi and finally at Matsapa Swazi National High School. For four years (1954-1958) he taught in schools at Nkambeni and Mhlambanyati, then crossed into South Africa to work in the Johannesburg gold mines and study at night. In February In 2006, following the death of Albert Shabangu,
1960 he returned to Swaziland and went into
Simelane was given the position of Deputy Prime
business as a livestock dealer. His campaign against adult illiteracy began in December 1961 when he arranged a public
Since leaving her post in government, Simelane
meeting and formed a committee which
has continued to be a vocal supporter of both
established the Sebenta National Institute.
education and women’s rights and speaks on a
Initially supported by private donations and
wide range of issues regarding the empowerment
later aided by the Swaziland government and
of women in Swaziland.
UNESCO, the Institute organised volunteers to go to villages teaching villagers to read and
George Mbikwakhe Mamba George Mbikwakhe Mamba was decorated with the medal of Chief Counsellor of the Order of Sobhuza II, by King Mswati III of Swaziland, 1987; Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon, by the President of the Republic of China, 1988; and named Honorary Knight Grand Cross of Royal Victorian, by Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, 1987. George Mbikwakhe was born on July 5, 1932
joined the cabinet as Minister of Commerce, Industry and Mines. He was the Swaziland delegate to the meeting of the Organisation of African Unity at Addis Ababa in 1971. He led the delegation for the important mineral negotiations in England in June 1972 and after a successful election campaign became Minister for Industry, Mines and Tourism in the cabinet formed on June 2, 1972. His political career started when he founded the Swaziland Democratic Party in 1962. The following year his cousin Dr Allen Nxumalo joined forces and became President of the SDP while he ran the party organisation as Secretary General and took part in the constitutional
Minister, the first woman to hold the role. She remained in the post until 2008.
At independence on September 6, 1968 he
write. In 1965 in a pause from politics Nxumalo was Director of the Sebenta National Institute and in 1971, even though then a Cabinet Minister, he became Chairman and launched a seven-year programme aimed at eliminating adult illiteracy completely.
conference held in London in January and February 1963. After defeat in the first elections for the Legislative Council in June 1964 he left the Swaziland Democratic Party in October 1964 with the party being dissolved in April 1965. He wanted more democratic freedom and a Swaziland moving with the rest of black Africa, free from white South African influence. In the end he came to the conclusion that these aims could best be realised by joining the Imbokodvo National Movement and working from inside. One of the most outstanding politicians and
From 1965 to 1967 he was a King’s envoy, journeying to many countries in Africa as well as Europe, Asia and America. On April 20, 1967, he was elected to Parliament as an Imbokodvo candidate and became a junior Minister as Minister of State for Finance, Commerce and Industry.
business minds in southern Africa; his talents in administration and negotiation saw him become a leading political figure as party treasurer of Mbokondvo and as a senior member of the cabinet. He is also attributed with laying the foundation for the sprawling Matsapha Industrial sites.
was appointed a Delegate to UNESCO as the Vice-President of Swaziland National Union of Teachers 1966-1967. His next assignment was Field Commander Swaziland Boy Scouts Association 1967-1968, while also Inspector of Schools for the Manzini District from 1969-1970.
son of Ndabazebelungu Mamba and Gertrude
Between 1971-1972 he was appointed Chief
Mthwalose Thwala. He went to Franson Christian
Commander of The Swaziland Boy Scouts
High School and Swazi National High School. His
Association position, which he held concurrently
tertiary education was in Morija Teacher Training
with Welfare and Aftercare Officer, for the Prison
College, Cambridge Institute of Education and
Department. His Majesty King Sobhuza II then
Nairobi University, Kenya. In 1960 he married
appointed him Counsel on the Swaziland High
Sophie Sibandze and together they had three
Commission,
sons and two daughters.
Needing steady hands His Majesty then made
Nairobi
between
1972-1977.
him High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Before he was a Diplomat he was Head Teacher
concurrently being High Commissioner to Malta,
at Makhonza Mission School from 1956-1960.
Ambassador to Denmark, Norway and Sweden
He moved to Kwaluseni Central School from
and Perm, posts he held from 1978-1988.
1961-1965. He finally capped his teaching career as Head Teacher at Enkamheni Central
Upon his return to Swaziland in 1988 he became
School from 1966-1967. During this time he
Minister of Foreign Affairs before retiring in 1993.
Best of eSwatini
79
President Dhlamini President Dhlamini was the first indigenous Swazi to become a licensed pilot. He is an airline transport pilot by profession having flown Lijubantsendzele and Fokker 100 while working for Royal Swazi National Airways.
a Captain on the Royal Swazi National Airways
Prime Minister, other Swazi Prime Ministers as
Fokker F28 LiJuba-ntsendzele and Fokker 100.
well as many other prominent people such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
While at the national airline his achievements include flying the Crown Prince Makhosetive,
The demise of Royal Swazi in 1999 saw him join
later to become His Majesty King Mswati III
Swaziland Airlink where he worked as a Chief
and Her Majesty the Indlovukazi, His Excellency
Pilot and later became the General Manager.
the Prime Minister of Taiwan when he visited
He then worked for the South African Civil
Swaziland, their Excellencies President Nelson
Aviation Authority as an inspector and later as
Mandela after his release from prison before he
Senior Manager; Flight Operations Division. He
His journey began soon after leaving Ethiopia at
became President, President Kenneth Kaunda,
then moved to Head Eskom Aviation business
the end of 1975 after completing high school.
President Quett Masire, President Julius Nyerere,
and today he is back in the country as CEO of
Upon returning to Swaziland he enrolled at
King Moshoeshoe II on his return from exile, His
the resuscitated Royal Swazi National Airways
the Swaziland College of Technology, where
Excellency Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini on his
Corporation. As a pilot he boosts over 14 000
in June 1978 he graduated with a City and
return to Swaziland to take up the position of
hours flying experience
Guilds Part I Technicians Certificate in Motor Vehicle Technology. This the same year that saw the launch of the national airline; Royal Swazi
Lydia Phindile Makhubu
National Airways Corporation. After graduating he joined the Government Garage, today called the Central Transport Organisation (CTA) for a couple of months before proceeding to join the Umbutfo Swaziland
Lydia Makhubu (born 1 July 1937) is a retired Swazi Chemist and former Professor of Chemistry, Dean and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Swaziland.
Science from 1976 to 1980, a senior lecturer in 1979, a full Professor the following year, and Vice-Chancellor from 1988 to 2003. Her research focused on the medical effects of plants used by traditional Swazi healers.
Defence Force. At the force he was selected initially as one of the
She was born at the Usuthu Mission in
aircraft mechanics, then as a prospective pilot
Swaziland. Her parents were teachers, but
From its inception in 1993 until 2005,
before going to Israel to do the required training.
her father also worked as an orderly in health
Makhubu was the President of the Third World
clinics. Her early exposure to medicine had a
Organization for Women in Science, which
“Most people like me are fortunate to have
great influence on her choice of career; she
provides fellowships for postgraduate study.
been trained by the military and later allowed to
initially wanted to become a Doctor, but then
She was the first woman Chairperson of the
advance their careers as commercial pilots.”
switched to Chemistry.
executive committee of the Association of
Upon getting his Israeli private pilot’s licence he first performed a demonstration flight for Major General Maphevu in Israel. Then a fly past during King Sobhuza II’s last birthday celebration in 1982 at the Prince of Wales Stadium and accepting the Royal Salute. As an army pilot he also did the fly past at King Sobhuza II’s funeral service, when his Royal Casket was being brought into the arena (King Sobhuza II Memorial Park) by the senior command of the security forces. Not long after he joined the national airline as
80
the chemistry department in 1973, the Dean of
Best of eSwatini
Commonwealth Universities. She also served Makhubu graduated from Pius XII College (now
in numerous other organizations, such as
the National University of Lesotho) with a B.Sc.
the United Nations Advisory Committee on
in 1963. With a Canadian Commonwealth
Science and Technology for Development.
scholarship, she obtained a M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Alberta
She has received numerous grants and
in 1967, followed by a Ph.D. in Medicinal
honours, including a MacArthur Foundation
Chemistry from the University of Toronto in
grant (1993-1995) and honorary doctorates
1973, becoming the first Swazi woman to earn
from various universities including a Doctor of
a doctorate.
Laws from Saint Mary’s University in 1991.
She returned to her home land and joined the
She married a surgeon Daniel Mbatha; they
University of Swaziland, becoming a lecturer in
have a son and a daughter.
Ted Reilly The father and icon of conservation in Swaziland, Ted has worked to conserve existing animals and reintroduce those which had gone locally extinct – thanks to his efforts, 22 species of mammals have been reintroduced to Swaziland.
Ted and Liz Reilly the custodians of Swazilands wildlife
at the beginning of the decade by putting up a large perimeter fence; keeping wildlife in and potentially harmful humans out.
A young Ted Reilly took it upon himself to turn his back garden into what is now one of Africa’s
Once all the core elements of the reserve
most accessible wildlife reserves; Mlilwane
had been put in place, animal re-introduction
Wildlife Sanctuary. Opening on the 12th July
began, the first phase of which included the
1964 to the public and marking the beginning
introduction of impala, zebra, waterbuck,
of formal conservation in the Kingdom of
ostrich and kudu. After more animals were re-
Swaziland. At the time the country’s wildlife
introduced including warthog and nyala later in
resources had been severely depleted due
the decade, the reserve was officially opened by
to hunting concessions, had been plundered
Hilda Stevenson-Hamilton and a year on; 1965,
and removed for agriculture and existed only
the first white rhinos were introduced.
in remnant herds, largely on private farms. Wildlife was seen as vermin, a threat to the
Re-introduction and ongoing conservation work
economic wealth of the country and thus there
continued for the next 40 years, and is still an
was no willingness to embrace the concept of
on-going project to this day. The concept of
conservation.
Swazi conservation and the dream Ted first had began in Mlilwane, but it was the success of
By the 1950’s, the fruits of Swaziland’s land had
this first project that lead on to the founding of
depleted immeasurably to all but the odd scrub
Hlane Royal National Park, the establishment of
hare and duiker and Swaziland had all but lost
the Swaziland National Trust Commission, and
her wildlife heritage. Having watched the demise
Mkhaya Game Reserve – now one of the world’s
of Swaziland’s wildlife, and with his experiences
best Rhino success stories.
in South Africa and in Zambia reminding him
Jennifer Thorne From one woman’s vison; to empowering more than 750 rural Swazi women. A former nurse and farmer’s wife from Malkerns, the late Jenny Thorne co-founded a series of shops across the country selling local crafts; the beginning of Gone Rural.
of how wild Africa could and should be, Reilly
Ted’s dreams have undoubtedly been realised,
dreamed of a park system to safeguard the
with what has now become a flourishing country
Founded with a vision to empower women in
countries rich diversity and beautiful landscapes.
of wildlife and game parks, the organisation Big
some of the most remote areas of Swaziland,
Game Parks was then established in the 1990’s
Gone Rural has evolved into a pioneering,
With little support from the then British
as a private organisation, encouraging the
community-led organization started organically
Government, it was up to Ted to make it
establishment of further reserves such as Mbuluzi,
in the 1970s, when Jenny saw an opportunity
happen. With the support of the King behind
Nisela, and Phophonyane. Today Big Game
to use handcrafts as a means to empower the
him, a small force of rangers, and one land rover,
Parks is the delegated authority on the Game Act
women of Swaziland.
Mlilwane was born. From 1960 Mlilwane started
and CITES and operates a highly effective anti-
to grow, with habitat modification and the
poaching unit which is a key element to an on-
Up in the mountains, where the indigenous
relocation of animals one-by-one. Work started
going conservation success story.
lutindzi grass grows wild, Jenny saw women
Best of eSwatini
81
Victor Gamedze weaving and saw an opportunity to help them use these skills to secure a sustainable, independent income with which to support themselves and their families. Today, Gone Rural works with more than 750 artisans in 13 groups across
Victor Gamedze is a Blazing Swazi Entrepreneur that contributed immensely to the development of eSwatini. Born in KaLanga, Siteki in the Libombo region, Gamedze is loved for his Business acumen and footwork in the field.
Swaziland – from young women to gogos (grandmothers) and often with three generations of women from one family. By providing these women
Before his untimely demise, after years as Telecom entrepreneur, responding
with self-employed, home-based work, they are empowered with a
to His Majesty’s Vision 2022 – in June 2017 he finally realised his dream of
sustainable income, while still allowing them to fulfill their traditional duties
establishing Swaziland’s second Mobile Company – Swazi Mobile. Hailed
and provide care to dependents.
as a heroic feat by the people of Eswatini, finally they had cutting edge
This initiative supplies woven products from Swaziland to hundreds of
competition to make their lives that much closer to First World.
retailers around the globe, seeing the increase in artisan incomes and what once was a small start-up organisation, now has a global reach and is
Gamedze made his name in the footballing world first as a player for top local
making a huge impact on hundreds of families.
clubs like Usushwana Rhinos, Dribbling Wizards and Mbabane Swallows – and has numerous Sihlangu caps.
Gone Rural also invest (at least) 30% of annual profits into their community development organisation Gone Rural boMake, with Gone Rural’s mission
His love for the game saw him purchase Mbabane Swallows and under his
summed up as: preserving the past, understanding the present and
guidance the team enjoyed incredible success both locally and internationally
pioneering the future.
– guiding Swallows to the group stages of the 2017 Confederation Cup and becoming the first local team to reach this stage. Today Mbabane Swallows
Jenny has truly inspired and empowered a nation; with her first outlet built
continues to be the most dominant side by far in the Premier League of
on Malandelas Farm (where they are still based today). Today, that shop
Swaziland (PLS).
has grown into a unique cultural centre, celebrating the creativity and connections that Swaziland has to offer. This includes the awe-inspiring
As Chairman of the PLS his lasting achievement was transforming the
events venue House on Fire, built by Jenny and Pete’s oldest sons, Jiggs
PLS to be ranked 14th on the continent. He also successfully brought new
and Sholto; the offices of travel adventure company All Out Africa, co-
sponsorships in local football such as the on-going SMVAF Ingwenyama
founded by their younger son Roland; and the Malandelas farmhouse pub and restaurant, run by their daughter Nandi, all contributing in their own way to making Swaziland what it is today.
Cup, SwaziBank Cup and the now defunct Castle Premier Challenge among other tournaments. He was also part of the Sihlangu project committee introduced two years ago which assisted during the nation pride’s good run in the 2017 AFCON qualifiers where they finished third with eight points behind Zimbabwe and Malawi. Gamedze also introduced loan grants to assist Premier League and First Division teams to sustain themselves and further launched a TV rights deal for teams with the Swaziland Television Authority (STVA) which saw local clubs share E3 million last year. The late FA vice president recently launched lucrative sponsorships for four local teams including Mbabane Highlanders and Manzini Wanderers worth E10.5 million through his new communications company Swazi Mobile. Victor “Maradona” Gamedze was married to Princess Lungile, daughter of the late Prince Makhubu son of King Sobhuza. Together they have two daughters and a son.
82
Best of eSwatini
Absalom ‘Scara’ Thindwa Phetsile Mamba Swazi nurse Phetsile Mamba, is the Director of the International Council of Nurses’ (ICN) Wellness Centre for Health Care Workers in Manzini, and has received an international award for her work with HIV Nursing and Care.
Thindwa, who spent eight years (1985-1993) with Chiefs having joined them from Swaziland side, Bulembu Young Aces in 1985 had a knack for sniffing and scoring spectacular goals. Born in Swaziland this gentle giant helped Chiefs win many trophies. In 1986 he was crowned Players Player of the Season after scoring many crucial goals. During his time with Amakhosi the team won in excess of 15 cups, including BP Top 8, Iwisa Charity Cup, JPS Knockout, National Panasonic Champion of Champions, Ohlsson’s Challenge and the
The RCNi reported that the outstanding work of Mamba, has been
Mainstay Cup.
recognised globally by the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC) and been awarded with an Excellence in Global HIV Nursing Award.
The elusive league title however, was finally won for the first time in the NSL era in 1989 at the peak of his footballing career. During his time with
Mamba is a founding member of the innovative and highly successful
Kaiser Chiefs, Scara has played with legends the likes of Patrick ‘Ace’
ICN-Swaziland Wellness Centre for Health Care Workers. The centre was
Ntsoelengoe, Nelson ‘Teenage’ Dladla, Johannes ‘Ryder’ Mofokeng, Fetsi
established in 2006, in partnership with the Swaziland Nurses Association,
‘Chippa’ Molatedi, Shane MacGregor, Marks ‘Go Man Go’ Maponyane,
now the Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union (SWADNU), the Danish
Doctor ‘16V’ Khumalo, Abel Shongwe, Jack ‘Black Stone’ Chamangwana,
Nurses Organisation, the Stephen Lewis Foundation, BD Corporation and
Sylvester ‘City’ Kole, Mark Tovey, Wellington Manyathi, Gary Bailey and
the Ministry of Health.
William ‘Cool Cat’ Shongwe. The eighties were a fantastic period for Kaizer Chiefs, as they proved that they were South Africa’s ‘King of Cups’.
The ANAC award recognises an outstanding nurse, living and working in a resource-limited setting, who has significantly impacted his/her
In 2015, the former Kaizer Chiefs striker, decided to plough back to the
community or colleagues by promoting excellence in HIV nursing care
youth of his country of birth; Swaziland by organising an Under 13 schools
and/or prevention and who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and
tournament. The former Swaziland international through this initiative
innovation.
made it a point that he sees that Swaziland introduces and produces more talented youngsters to the game through this tournament.
“The Southern foot of Africa is greatly affected by HIV,” Mamba reportedly said in her acceptance speech. “We nurses are doing all we can to fight
The Swaziland Schools Sports Association official, Anthony Mdluli, told
against this disease and its impact.”
journalists that they are grateful to Thindwa for giving the youngsters the chance to play from a young age.
Pierre Théraulaz, ICN’s Acting Chief Executive Officer said: “The work Phetsile and her colleagues have accomplished in such challenging
“We thank Scara for his good gesture through his foundation,” said Mdluli.
conditions is truly outstanding”.
“This will help develop the game in Swaziland.”
Best of eSwatini
83
Lucas Mlambo
Richard E. Grant
(Born 28 December 1959 in Sidvwashini, Mbabane) is a Swazi painter.
(Born Richard Grant Esterhuysen on 5 May 1957 in Mbabane) – Is a Swazi-English actor, screenwriter, director and perfumier.
The only boy of eight children, his father died when he was very young and was raised by his mother whilst attending Lozita Secondary School.
He first came to public attention in 1987 for playing Withnail in the film
In 1984, the Mlambo family were required to relocate by the government
’Withnail and I’, and achieved recognition as Dr John “Jack” Seward in the
in order to make way for roads and roadworks; stemming from this Lucas
highly aclaimed 1992 film ’Bram Stoker’s Dracula’. He played Dr. Zander
began drawing to remember his childhood home.
Rice in the 2017 superhero film ’Logan’ and Izembaro in the sixth season of the HBO series ’Game of Thrones.’
He secured a job in Beral, and on the weekends he developed and honed his skills in painting and stared selling his creations to his work colleagues.
As a boy, Grant attended primary school at St Mark’s, a local government
In 1985, a man named Dori whom he had met at the Indingilizi Gallery
school in Mbabane that had only recently become racially integrated. Grant
recognised his talent and encouraged him to exhibit his works. The
wears a watch on each wrist, one given to him by his dying father, which
following year he did just that at the gallery.
is permanently set on Swaziland time and is a dual citizen of the United Kingdom and Swaziland.
In 1991, Mlambo painted five murals at Indingilizi to depict the Reed Dance Ceremony and has since showcased his works at the Total Gallery
Grant attended secondary school at Waterford Kamhlaba United World
in Johannesburg, the University of Zululand in KwaZulu-Natal; at the
College of Southern Africa (UWCSA), an independent school just outside
Grahamstown Arts Festival; South Africa and at the Swaziland Arts Society.
Mbabane, where he was a day scholar. He then went on to study English
Even taking his art to Denmark and the United States. His paintings are
and drama at the University of Cape Town, South Africa and only adopting
noted for their bright colours, often in lively scenes, and generally capture
his stage name when he moved to London, Britain in 1982.
everyday life and landmarks in the country. He later stated, “I grew up in Swaziland when it was mired in a 1960s Mlambo has said “Many people like my paintings. I like to use bright
sensibility. The kind of English spoken where I grew up was a period
colours. In my work, you can see how people in Swaziland live and what
English sound and when I came to England people said, ‘how strange’.
they do. I like Mbabane very much because when I see the mountains I
Charles Sturridge, who directed ’Brideshead Revisited’ for TV, said, ‘you
see something to paint. When I see the streets, people and buildings, I see
speak English like someone from the 1950s’.”
something to paint. Even in the location where I stay, I find many stories to paint to show how the people live and what they do.”
Grant’s first film role was the perpetually inebriated title character in ’Withnail and I’, which established a large cult following. Following this
84
Notable works include ‘After the Storm’, ‘Washing Day’ – Manzini,
film, Grant started appearing in a succession of Hollywood films, quickly
‘Nhlangano Town Mshengu St’ and ‘Nhlangano – Old Bus Rank’.
establishing himself as a powerful character actor in a wide array of films,
Mlambo is married with a son and a daughter.
from blockbuster studio movies to small independent projects. Over the
Best of eSwatini
past twenty years, Grant has had strong supporting roles in the films
Upon graduation Ally moved to Chicago, where he got his start in the
‘Henry & June’, ‘L.A. Story’, ‘The Player’, ‘The Age of Innocence’, ‘The
business working in theatre. He has performed at some of the most
Portrait of a Lady’, ‘Spice World’, ‘Gosford Park’, ‘Bright Young Things’,
reputable theaters around the country and most recently appeared as
and ‘Penelope’.
‘Bashir’ in The Invisible Hand at New York Theatre Workshop, a role that garnered him a Lucille Lortel Nomination for Best Actor, A Drama
While filming L.A. Story with Steve Martin, the pair communicated by fax in what became for both a hilarious dialogue: “I kept these faxes, which grew to a stack more than two inches thick, because they entertained me, and because I thought they were valuable aesthetic chunks from a screeching mind, a stream-of-consciousness faucet spewing sentences – sometimes a mile long – none of it rewritten, and bearing just the right amount of acid and alkaline.”
Usman Ally
League Nomination for Best Actor, and an Obie Award for Outstanding Performance. Additional accolades include receiving the Fox Foundation Grant for Actors of Extraordinary Potential in 2010. Ally currently resides in Los Angeles, CA. – www.usmanally.com
Malla Nunn
Usman Ally is an American film, stage and television actor – Born in Swaziland.
Malla Nunn was born in Swaziland, and currently lives in Sydney, Australia. She is a filmmaker, a screenwriter and author with three award-winning films to her credit.
In 2015, Ally won an Obie Award for his role in ‘The Invisible Hand’ and is
Her works include the ‘murder mystery’, ‘A Beautiful Place to Die’, and ‘Let
most known for originating several lead roles in award winning plays and
the Dead Lie’.
stage productions including ‘The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity’ (Top 10 Performances of the year), as ‘Bagheera’ in Disney’s ‘The Jungle Book’ (IRNE Award for Best Actor in a Musical), and a production of ‘Around the World in 80 Days’. He is known for his on-screen roles such as Vincent on ’Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ and the Hook-Handed Man in ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events.’ Usman Ally was born in Swaziland and grew up in Kenya, Botswana, Tanzania and Pakistan. At the age of 18, he moved to the United States
Nunn moved to Perth with her parents in the 1970s. She attended the University of Western Australia graduating with a B.A. with a double major in English and History and she completed a M.A. in Theatre Studies at Villanova University in Philadelphia. While in America she met her husbandto-be and they curently live with their two children in Sydney. Nunn wrote and directed several short films including the documentary
to pursue his dream of acting where he attended Lewis and Clark College
‘Servant of the Ancestors’ in 1998 which screened at several festivals and
in Portland, Oregon, majoring in theater and cultural anthropology. While
won Best Documentary Silver Images, Pan African, Zanzibar Film Festival,
there he was introduced to a group called Prisoners of Politics, and
2000. Her first book ‘A Beautiful Place to Die’ was published in 2008. Set in
began to take part in slam poetry and hip hop performances. Soon after
South Africa in the beginning of the apartheid era in South Africa it featured
graduating from Lewis and Clark, he attended the University of Florida,
Detective Emmanuael Cooper. This was the beginning of the Detective
where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with an MFA in acting.
Emmanuel Cooper series.
Best of eSwatini
85
CHAPTER 3
TRAVEL, TOURS AND LEISURE
Foreword from the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs,
Hon. Christopher Gamedze The Swaziland tourism industry would like to join the nation in wishing His Majesty King Mswati III a happy 50th birthday! Halala, Khula Mlisa!
The industry would also like to wish the nation happy festivities as we celebrate His Majesty’s birthday and the country’s 50th independence viz. the 50/50 Celebrations. The tourism industry in Swaziland is indeed among other sectors that have played a pivotal role in the development of our nation in the last 50 years. Our nation has successfully maintained and sustained peace and stability in the last five decades. We have seen an increase in Swaziland’s appeal as a “safe haven” and our culture has featured increasingly in the marketing of the country as a tourism destination. Swaziland has been described by numerous travel writers as peaceful, and our natural biodiversity and rich traditional heritage have been envied by many. In many respects, Swaziland is a modern country with extensive links to the region and internationally, and with a developing infrastructure and a young literate population with potential to acquire technical and vocational
88
Best of eSwatini
skills to make the country a haven for tourism
and France visiting the country in the last ten
Africa and Mozambique. This agreement allows
development. Swaziland’s economy is open
years than before. We have also seen growth
international tourists to travel across the three
and linked to neighbouring countries through its
of inbound travel from other tourism regions,
countries with a single visa, something which
trade and financial relationships. The Kingdom’s
particularly the African and the North American
has been lauded by various big international tour
peaceful and secure environment, added to the
markets. In Africa, South Africa, Mozambique,
operators as they are now able to send bigger
beautiful and varied ecosystems compacted
and Zimbabwe have been the top three source
groups to the three countries in a single tour.
into a small space, is good value for money.
markets in the last decade, while the United
Our unique and authentic culture and traditions
States of America and Canada are the top North
In this supplement, we will track the development
have been our hugest selling propositions, and
American source markets.
of the tourism industry in the country in the last 50 years, and also showcase some of our oldest
we extend our gratitude to Their Majesties for being the symbols and principal patrons of
The tourism industry measure for sales; the
Swazi culture. The last sub-Saharan African
number of bed nights sold, is increasing.
country to be ruled by a King draws tourists for
My ministry, through the Swaziland Tourism
that very reason.
Authority (STA), and the industry players,
establishments in the industry. Once more, happy 50/50 celebrations to you all!
through the Hospitality and Tourism Association Over the years, we have managed to increase
of Swaziland (HOTAS), are working frantically
Hon. Christopher Gamedze
our market share in the global traveller index,
to ensure that the number of nights spent by
Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs
with a significant growth in inbound travel
visitors in the country is increased. We do this
being registered in the last ten years. This
through vigorous marketing at various industry
growth, surprisingly, came in spite of global
trade shows regionally and globally, and through
economic pressures that included the credit
hosting international travel media for destination
crunch six years ago, among other factors.
educational trips.
Interest in Swaziland has increased sharply in our traditional markets like Europe, with
In 2006 Swaziland signed the Lubombo Route
more tourists from Belgium, UK, Germany
Agreement together with neighbours: South
Best of eSwatini
89
Tourism in Swaziland 50 Years of Tourism | 50 Years of Peace 50 years of Stability | 50 Years of Economic Development
The Beginning of Tourism in Swaziland The Kingdom of Swaziland is a land locked country wholly bounded by the Republic of South Africa and Mozambique. Within 17,364 km, there is considerable geographical and climatic diversity. Annexed by the Boers in 1890 and by the British in 1902, Swaziland became a British colony in 1906, eventually obtaining formal, political independence in 1968. Tourism in Swaziland is a success story. Most of the first tourists who came to Swaziland arrived by road from South Africa. Swaziland’s tourism industry developed during the colonial and apartheid eras in South Africa and this shaped many of our distinctive attractions. The adoption of apartheid in South Africa and civil war in Mozambique also contributed to Swaziland’s appeal as an alternative tourist destination in Southern Africa. Prior to the outbreak of the Second Boer War (1899-1902), about 1,000 Europeans (including settlers) were in Swaziland. To meet their needs, hotels were built by two Europeans: Mr Alfred
and the mining settlements of Pigg’s Peak and Forbes Reef. Accommodation was provided for two types of hunters: those seeking mineral rights and other concessions from the Swazi (an early variant of business tourism), and those hunting big game.
The Evolution of Tourism in Swaziland Swaziland’s evolution was initially conditioned
Bremer (who gave his name to Bremersdorp,
by its status as a British colony. The evolution
the first European Capital of Swaziland), and
of tourism in Swaziland is considered to have
by John Thorburn, a prominent adventurer and
progressed in stages. Initial stages of exploration
concessionaire, who built a “liquor canteen”
and involvement led to development and
which reportedly became a meeting place for
consolidation. This was followed by stagnation,
concession hunters.
and then rejuvenation.
In 1907, there were five hotels in Swaziland,
Over the next four decades, small hotels
a halt, retrospectively making the exploration
catering primarily for business visitors to
and guest houses periodically appeared at
stage seem an example of proto-tourism. From
administrative or industrial centres. Two were
government out-stations, mining settlements,
the early-1950s until the mid-1960s, Swazi
at Mbabane, which had replaced Bremersdorp
and border towns, but they did not become
tourism went through a transitional phase and
(later renamed Manzini) as the (European) capital
permanently established and, in 1949, there
by 1954, the colony boasted 11 hotels, all at
of Swaziland, and others were at Bremersdorp
were only four hotels in the country.
centres of administration and industry.
As a result of the wanton destruction of wildlife, recreational tourism in Swaziland had come to
90
Best of eSwatini
Some effort was made to make Swaziland
by Mr Reilly. Hlane was held in trust of the
more attractive to visitors and in 1963, the
Swazi Nation by King Sobhuza. This is how
colonial government passed the Casino Act,
Conservation was born in Swaziland. Our
whereby casinos, illegal then in South Africa,
flourishing conservation success story today
were allowed to operate in Swaziland, albeit
is still widely attributed to the support of the
under certain restrictions. However, no real
Monarchy.
attempt was made to develop holiday tourism, for even in 1960 there were no tarred roads in
From the early 1970s, Swaziland was then
the country.
promoted
as
a
holiday
destination.
The
government also established the Swaziland When a road-building program was introduced
National Trust Commission, with the help of
in the early 1960s, it was to facilitate Swaziland’s
Ted Reilly, to protect the national heritage.
industrial development and only coincidentally
Hotel visitors – the bulk of all non-Swazi arrivals
assisted the expansion of tourism. The period
drastically increased. The increase was both
from 1966 to 1975 was one of promise for the
caused by the improved standard of Swazi
tourism industry in Swaziland. Two years after
hotels.
the Casino Act, the Holiday Inn Group opened the Royal Swazi Spa Hotel (with its casino, the
Swaziland’s hotel room capacity tripled, with
first in Southern Africa), in the Ezulwini Valley.
83% of the new hotel rooms operated by the Holiday Inn franchise. Hotels became larger,
Swaziland gained political independence from
of international standard, and were mainly
the British in 1968. The newly independent
under the control of transnational companies.
Swazi government placed tourism firmly on
Furthermore, tourism became (and remained)
the economic agenda, leaving its development
heavily concentrated in the Ezulwini Valley and
mainly to the private sector, but facilitating
Malkerns Valley which, by 1977, contained 59%
access to tourism attractions, especially the
of all hotel beds in Swaziland.
casino. Our economy continues to be closely tied to the Conservation Legend, Ted Reilly, after proposing
Republic of South Africa. Swaziland is also a
to the British Government countless times and
member of the Southern African Customs Union
failing, finally approached King Sobhuza II
(SACU) and, until 1986, was in the Republic-
Most visitors to Swazi hotels in the mid-50s
with the proposal to convert his own farm into
dominated Rand Monetary Area (RMA) with
were residents of South Africa with business
protected areas of conservation for tourism
Botswana and Lesotho. The Swazi currency
interests in Swaziland, or government officers
purposes. The Ingwenyama of Swaziland King
(the Lilangeni) continues to be informally linked
and employees with official duties in the more
Sobhuza II agreed and gave him his full support
to the Rand, with which it has parity. At the end
inaccessible parts of the country. By 1960
seeing the value of national heritage.
of the 1980s, in tourism, as in other industries,
Swaziland was gaining a reputation as “the
Swaziland was heavily reliant on South Africa
Switzerland of Africa,” both because of its
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and Hlane Royal
which, supplied more than 60% of all tourist
scenic attractions and its apparent stability.
National Park were formed both to be managed
arrivals.
Best of eSwatini
91
Swaziland
While the Swazi Government and the Crown
traditions. The two-major annual traditional
were investing in tourism, Holiday Inns and
ceremonies, at the time, the First Fruits and
Southern Sun recognised the market trends and
the Reed Dance, featured prominently in all the
in 1983, merged to form Sun International. By
tourist brochures. In addition, King Sobhuza II
the end of the 1980s, the new company, based
Golden Jubilee attracted thousands of visitors,
in South Africa, owned most and controlled all
as well as dignitaries from all over the world.
casino hotels in southern Africa and its interests
First,
it
deliberately
promoted
extended through Bophuthatswana and the Secondly, specific efforts were directed at
Transkei to Lesotho, Botswana, and Mauritius.
producing “hallmark” events like the Kings Trust
It also became the main shareholder in most of
Concerts and International Sporting Events. Due
the major hotels of Swaziland, jointly owning or
to the political and economic isolation of South
operating others in partnership with the Swazi
Africa, the Swazi Tourism industry decided that
government and the Monarchy.
if beds could not be filled for two or three nights, attempts should be made to fill them for one
By the end of the 1980s, tourism in Swaziland
night.
was playing an important role in the economy. More than 2000 workers were directly employed
Visits were organised for top English soccer
in the country’s hotels and restaurants, and
teams such as Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool,
Swaziland earned millions of Emalangeni from
and Manchester United (in June 1983 and June
tourism. Indeed, between 1983 and 1989,
1984) and stars of popular music performed
foreign
in Swaziland (for example, Peter Tosh, the
quadrupled, “putting tourism roughly on a par
Jamaican reggae singer, in October 1983), thus
with the mining sector” in the scale of its gross
attracting thousands of weekend visitors from
contribution to the balance of payments (The
the Republic, who were denied the experience
Economist Intelligence Unit 1990:76).
exchange
earnings
from
tourism
in their own country because of sanctions. The
The Role of the Monarchy in Tourism Development
televising of the 1984 and 1988 Olympics also
By 1988, international tourism was accounting
provided other opportunities to attract residents
for more than 4% of exports and nearly 3% of
From 1975, when hotel guests numbered more
of the Republic. The promotion of Swazi tradition
Gross Domestic Product (Harrison 1992a: 14).
than 100,000, tourism in Swaziland declined,
and “hallmark” events had some success and
Indirectly, taxi drivers, retailers, carvers, and
primarily as a result of economic and political
tourist arrivals increased during the 1980s.
sculptors also benefited from tourism. However,
change in South Africa. The Swazi government
92
the most widespread benefits accrued to rural
and Monarchy demonstrated its willingness to
By the end of the 1970s, the government and
workers producing handicrafts, primarily women,
join with private capital in developing tourism
the monarchy, operating separate financial
and it had been estimated that about one third
precisely when the industry was entering
institutions together invested in Swazi tourism.
of all households in Swaziland at the time have
a period of decline. The tourism industry
Indeed, without their involvement, hotels at
at least one individual involved in handicraft
attempted to reverse the decline in tourist
Nhlangano and Pigg’s Peak, away from the
production. Not all the items produced were
numbers in two ways.
Ezulwini Valley, would not have been built.
designed for the tourism market, but there were
Best of eSwatini
efforts by the Monarchy, government and the
of Tourism and Environmental Affairs was
private sector to increase the proportion.
created in 1996 to promote and support the tourism industry and wildlife conservation within
The Development of Tourism in Swaziland
an environmental framework that enhances
In 1990, compared with the mid-1970s,
management,
more tourists were visiting the country, but
addresses
they were staying for a shorter period. The
contribute towards sustainable socio-economic
Swaziland Tourism Industry was aware of
development.
amenities, conserves culture, sustains forest embraces
climate
meteorology
change
challenges
and to
the considerable excess capacity in the hotel sector. The plan was to cooperate with other
The core objectives of the ministry include
African countries, particularly Kenya and South
providing strategic leadership and strategic
Africa, in promoting Swaziland as a destination
corporate services; developing and promoting
within a more comprehensive tour package, but
the tourism sector to contribute to the economic
the distance, and lack of direct air connections
growth of the country; promoting and conserving
with major tourist generating markets, operated
the natural and cultural heritage of the Kingdom;
against us.
protecting, conserving, restoring and enhancing of the environment; safeguarding and developing
From the start, Swazi tourism was operated by
the forestry sector for the benefit of the Swazi
expatriates for expatriates and, as part of the
nation; and lastly observing weather and climate
wider and deeper process of colonisation, the
in order to provide consistent and reliable data
arrival of the newcomers led to radical changes
information.
through the provision of a platform for industry stakeholders,
in the social, cultural, and physical milieu. In
• Encourage, facilitate and promote local and
Swaziland, exploration was not followed by
The eventual creation of the Swaziland Tourism
involvement,
Authority in October 2002 introduced potential
foreign investment in the tourism industry,
visitors to “Swaziland: The Royal Experience”.
• Ensure the contribution of tourism to the
development,
consolidation,
stagnation, and decline or rejuvenation.
The STA was established by an act of
socio-economic development and continued
Instead, it led, first, to half a century of inactivity
parliament, the Tourism Authority, Act of 2001. It
improvement of quality of life in the Kingdom
and then to some 15 years of transition, with
was established as a public enterprise. In terms
of Swaziland, • Swazi tourism looks to the future.
the casino as the country’s leading attraction.
of the Act the following objectives have been
The hotels built in this period, however, were
determined for STA:
primarily for business travellers. By contrast,
• Develop the tourism sector as a national
This institution is now fully established to play
a key feature of the development stage is that
priority in an environmentally sustainable and
a leading role in the efficient and effective
culturally acceptable manner,
implementation of the National Tourism Policy.
numbers of tourists equalled or even exceeded those of the local population. The development of a tourism policy has been a major milestone achievement; The Ministry
• Coordinate and facilitate the implementation
The Swaziland Tourism Authority (STA) is
of government policies and strategies on
mandated to market the Kingdom of Swaziland
tourism,
as the travel destination of choice within the
• Market Swaziland as a tourism destination
country, regionally and overseas.
Best of eSwatini
93
The Significance of 50/50 Golden Jubilee Celebrations to Tourism The year 2018 is an extra special year in Swaziland; sights of jubilation will be commonplace because the nation is celebrating its golden jubilee; simultaneously the reigning Monarch King Mswati III is celebrating his 50th birthday. To celebrate this important Milestone the STA will establish domestic, regional and international tourism campaigns from April 2018. In this regard, STA is working closely with the local hospitality, travel, and tourism industry players in ensuring that our product offering this year continues to be globally competitive and compelling. Industry players have been all along challenged to adopt service excellence as a culture, hence the establishment of the Tekuvakasha Tourism Awards in 2016 aimed at encouraging and fostering such a culture. The STA is hosting these awards again at the end of this year. We believe that it is service excellence on all fronts that will ensure that tourists get to spend more time in the country. As part of this strategy, STA will host local, regional and international media throughout the year for familiarisation trips around national events, cultural ceremonies and festivals. We are certain these trips will generate substantial media coverage locally, regionally
country. Now in its fifth season, the programme
Indeed, Swaziland is no longer just a transit route
and internationally all in the hope of influencing
has surely influenced locals to visit some of
but is now viewed for what it is: a destination
travellers to consider discovering the beauty of
these establishments and sites.
with a diverse tourism offering. Limited budgets
the Kingdom of Swaziland.
94
remain a challenge, hence our marketing is STA will also attend several trade shows where
concentrated in our traditional markets (mainly
STA will also launch Season 5 of a television
we schedule and meet international tour buyers
Europe and Africa). With the availability of funds,
programme
Buhle
(trade) and media and educate them on all
we hope to penetrate new markets like the Far
Betfu, which airs on Saturday evenings. The
prospects Swaziland has to offer. This has seen
East, as well as North and South America in the
programme will be made available on DSTV to
several international tour operators include
future.
subscribers across the region. It showcases
Swaziland in their packages, something which is
various hospitality, leisure, entertainment, and
positive in relation to number of nights spent in
Nevertheless, The STA has managed to market
cultural establishments found throughout the
Swaziland.
Swaziland to the world bringing the number of
on
Best of eSwatini
Swazi
TV
called
visitors to the country to over 1 million annually,
is expecting a very busy weekend during the
promise to keep the momentum that has been
a 100% increase compared to 10 years ago.
Jubilee celebrations and there is no doubt
started by the activities engaged.
A million tourists given our geographic and
that the tourism and business sectors will see
demographic size is impressive.
tremendous benefit from the influx of visitors
The Golden Jubilee year has great things
from all over the country and abroad.
in store for tourists planning to visit Swaziland; a Southern African state with a rich heritage
The Golden Jubilee is expected to inject money into the Swazi economy, as hundreds
This year, the emphasis is on influencing the
and beautiful sceneries. Traditional Ceremonies
of thousands of visitor’s and Royal guests are
increase of number days and nights spent
such as the Incwala, Reed Dance and Buganu
expected to flock to our hotels, restaurants,
in Swaziland. Even after the celebrations,
remain potential avenues for greater tourism
bars and shops. By extension, with an increase
remnants of the tourists’ presence will still be
growth and the Monarchy of Swaziland has
of visitors, comes an anticipated boom in
seen. Cultural activities and other youth targeted
often been cited as a factor that attracts tourists
certain sections of the business sector. Manzini,
activities are slated throughout the year and
to Swaziland.
Best of eSwatini
95
The Decade Old Marula season begins each
moon to rise after the southern hemisphere’s
year in mid-February and continues until May,
summer solstice.
bringing with it a celebration of the harvest of the Marula fruit.
The reed dance ceremony is an eight-day ceremony, where girls cut reeds and present
The main royal celebrations—Which are at
them to the queen mother and then dance. It is
least half a century old – the Incwala and the
always going to be on the last week of August
maidens’ Reed Dance are also being mined for
or first two weeks of September. Only childless,
their tourism potential without compromising
unmarried girls can take part.
the sacred nature of the Incwala or the maidens’ earnest devotion to the Queen Mother displayed
Outside the periphery of these two royal
during the Reed Dance.
ceremonies, there are thousands of celebrations that occur in communities throughout Swaziland, be
like marriages (Umtsimba) and traditional dance
reality in our modus operandi. More and more
accommodated for either event, which makes
competitions. Combine it with traditional shelters
destinations are realising the importance of
fortunate their almost surprise scheduling.
like the Swazi beehive hut, a feast of traditional
involving communities in all tourism activity so as
Royal officials will only announce the dates of
dishes, some native game roaming the veld
to impact societies positively, both socially and
these events a few days in advance. A rule of
and proximity to a traditional Swazi homestead,
economically. Modern travellers are conscious
thumb for the month long Incwala Ceremony
and the ingredients are in place for the type of
to their contribution to the entire tourism value
is that the Big Incwala, a national holiday in
authentic African experience that whets visitors’
chain, and they have a great sense of gratification
Swaziland when thousands of warriors and
appetites and which Swaziland can provide.
if revenue or tourism receipts generated by
A
couple
of
thousand
visitors
can
destinations permeate to the locals in one form
Swazis in traditional attire perform the kingship
96
dance at the main cattle byre at Ludzidzini royal
Sustainable Tourism is not just the new buzz word
or the other. Shewula Game Park in the eastern
residence, falls three days following the first full
in the tourism sector globally but an emerging
lowveld is an example of a community-based
Best of eSwatini
tourism initiative that offers visitors just such an experience. Mantenga Cultural Village in the cultural heart of Ezulwini also offers travellers this experience on a daily basis. We have seen local hospitality industry players coming up with packages for locals as well as special events where locals now attend and flock in their numbers throughout the country, and that, we feel, is encouraging. According to Africa Global Village this nation has had an impeccable safety record for tourists from time immemorial and furthermore has magnificent infrastructure to host tourists visiting the nation; it is for this reason that the prestigious Hilton Hotels brand is seeking to establish its presence in the capital of this nation. The nation is also packed with diverse tourist attractions; for those who enjoy conquering heights; mountain bike/horseback riding are available, additionally water-based attractions, safaris, cave tours, leisure hikes and many more are to delight the adventurous tourist. The Swaziland Tourism Authority has been capacitating Swazis to claim a significant share in the tourism cake through deliberate and targeted strategies such as trainings and capacity development. STA has trained over 200 locals in the last three years alone in running
niche that draws younger travellers who yearn
A national museum showcasing the history of
to rock climb, white-water raft, hike and explore
Swaziland is accessible and located adjacent
caves (preferably ones decorated with ancient
to the Parliament building and walking distance
San drawings). This group does not mind
from the King Sobhuza II memorial. An
roughing it in the wild, and sees no allure visiting
experience not worth leaving out as a tourist
a casino or lounging by a hotel pool. Trouble is,
could be a visit The Kingdom of Swaziland to
they don’t spend much money as they prefer back packing and camping. On the other hand, they are giving a boost to community tourism projects because they enjoy our local culture. Tourism operators from the United Kingdom
the eye catching Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, this outdoor lover’s paradise wildlife haven showcases among other fauna’ leopards, baboons, hippos, monkeys, blesbok, impala and many more.
successful tour companies as tour guides and/
have now begun offering itineraries to Swaziland
or tour operators. These trainings have been
as individual packages; this is living testimony
conducted with facilitation from the Southern
of the satisfaction tourists are experiencing after
African Tourism Services Association (SATSA)
visiting the landlocked nation. A renowned hub
products now found in trendy ethnic boutiques
and the Hospitality and Tourism Association of
for tourist activity is a valley traditionally meaning
around the world. Not only contributing to the
Swaziland (HOTAS).
the valley of Heaven; this tourist hotspot is
lives of all Swazi through the arts and crafts
called Ezulwini and is a countryside paradise
sector, but especially the Swazi women. Helping
One fast growing tour operator is Swazi Trails,
laden with exceptional curios and souvenirs for
the Swazi women secure an independent
who specialise in adventure tourism, a growing
a prospective traveller.
income to support themselves and their families.
Swaziland has a remarkably impressive range of traditional arts and crafts with many of its
Best of eSwatini
97
Conclusion We
have
maintained
relative
peace
and
stability over the past 50 years. We have seen an increase in Swaziland’s appeal as a “safe haven� and our culture has featured increasingly in the marketing of the country as a tourism destination. We are a homogenous society, with a huge chunk of the population belonging to the Swazi with a small heterogeneous population of non-Swazi residents. The country has been described by numerous travel writers as a
98
Best of eSwatini
peaceful country with natural biodiversity and a
want to visit. The last sub-Saharan African
well as restaurants. It is also hard to separate
rich traditional heritage.
country to be ruled by a King draws tourists for
statistically
that very reason.
sources say most visitors are from South Africa,
In many respects, Swaziland is a modern
visitors
from
tourists.
Industry
whose numbers remain consistent as visitors
country with extensive links to the region
Swaziland was well positioned in the 1960s
from other Southern African Development
and internationally, and with a developing
through the 1990s because there was no war
Community (SADC) countries fall off because
infrastructure and a young literate population
here. In South Africa, there were international
of economic downturns in their respective
with potential to acquire technical and vocational
sanctions because of apartheid. In Mozambique
economies.
skills to make the country a haven for tourism
there was civil war. The local tourism industry
development.
experienced a remarkably strong growth under
Many arrive on business, accomplish what they
difficult circumstances.
want to do at, say, a Swaziland branch of a South
Swaziland’s economy is open and linked to
African firm, and turn around to pass through
neighbouring countries through its trade and
Overseas interest in Swaziland has increased
the border by night without having purchased a
financial relationships. The Kingdom’s peaceful
sharply
UK,
hotel bed. In 2006 Swaziland signed on to the
and secure environment, added to the beautiful
Germany and France visiting the country. The
Lubombo Route agreement along with South
and varied ecosystems compacted into a small
tourism industry measure for sales, the number
Africa and Mozambique. This agreement allows
space, is good value for money.
of bed nights sold, is increasing! Growth in bed
tourists to travel across the three countries with
nights sold are now higher.
a single visa.
with
tourists
from
Belgium,
Swazis are weary of hearing their country condemned for having a traditional African
It is difficult to ascertain how much tourism
Monarchy
and
contributes to the Swazi economy, because
are countering that this very culture makes
the Central Bank lumps tourism receipts along
Swaziland a unique place any tourist would
with all wholesale and retail businesses, as
for
its
governing
system
www.thekingdomofswaziland.com
Best of eSwatini
99
Destination Swaziland Bordering Mozambique in the southeast of Africa is the lush and mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland, where the list of things to do is as diverse and unique as the country itself!
Swaziland is the smallest country in the southern hemisphere, however, it can lay claim to having spectacular landscapes, unique traditions, magnificent wildlife, as well as a selection of top class hotels and lodges. This small but scenically beautiful country of emerald peaks, rivers, ravines, rolling valleys, and waterfalls is a nature lovers Eden. And Nature Reserves are the top attraction here, and though only a few host Big Five animals (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, and Rhino), all of them offer an intimate gameviewing experience, an array of activities, flourishing mountain scenery, a fascinating variety of fauna and flora, and a prolific birdlife with a rich diversity of species. Swaziland might be Africa’s smallest destination, but it is a country with a big heart. Explore the top Swaziland tourist attractions to discover rewarding wildlife encounters, take part in adventure activities like tree top canopy tours, white water rafting, horseback riding and mountain biking, as well as a colourful local culture – all wrapped up in a surprisingly relaxed atmosphere.
100
Best of eSwatini
Best of eSwatini
101
NATIONAL PARKS
Malolotja’s hiking trails rank among Southern
Birding is also particularly rewarding with more
Visit the natural heritage of magnificent wildlife
Africa’s finest as they offer approximately 200 km
than 300 species, including the beautiful Narina
and nature reserves in Swaziland as top of your
of hiking trails and seventeen backpacking camps
trogon. The park offers clearly marked walking
to do list, offering a variety of activities from
which allow hikers to undertake wilderness trails
paths, self-driving trails, lookout points, hiking,
adventure tourism to game and bird viewing.
from two to seven days in duration.
and bird hides. Visitors can hike the well-marked web of nature trails, mountain bike along jeep
Hlane Royal National Park
Malolotja has been recognised as one of
Held in trust for the nation by His Majesty King
southern Africa’s important bird areas, based
Mswati III, is Swaziland’s largest protected area
on the significant number of threatened species
and is home to the largest herds of game in the
recorded here. The reserve is particularly
Mlawula Nature Reserve and the Lubombo Mountains
Kingdom.
important for breeding groups of endangered
Scenic and diverse, landscapes here range from
species such as blue swallow, blue crane, bald
dry savannah to rolling green valleys and dense
Hlane means “Wilderness” in the SiSwati
ibis and Stanley’s bustard, and more than 280
riverine forests with mountains rising south to
language and is home to Lion, Leopard, Elephant
species of birds have been recorded from the
north along the Mozambique border. Wildlife is
and White Rhino, with an abundant and diverse
reserve, over half the number for Swaziland as
varied and includes 60 species of small and large
bird life.
a whole.
animals such as Wildebeest, Kudu, Impala, and
In addition to game viewing, activities here
insects, and an impressive array of plants.
include guided mountain biking, cultural visits to
Phophonyane Falls Nature Reserve and Phophonyane Falls
a nearby Swazi village, birding walks, (including
About a 40-minute drive northeast from Malolotja
About 54 kilometers of roads allow self-guided
a colony of marabou storks and the highest
Nature Reserve, one can find the Phophonyane
game drives, and due to the absence of Lion
density of nesting white backed vultures in
Falls Nature Reserve. This reserve protects an
or Elephants, guests are free to enjoy safe
Africa), and overnight fully-catered bush treks.
astounding diversity of habitats in a relatively
hikes here on the walking trails, which range
small area with lush forests, rivers, waterfalls,
from short 1.5 kilometer hikes to full-day treks.
Malolotja Nature Reserve and Malolotja Falls
and scenic hiking trails.
Fishing is also popular.
This reserve is one of the most impressive
Mbuluzi Game Reserve
Mkhaya Nature Reserve
mountain parks in Southern Africa. The name
The top activity here is self-guided wildlife
Swaziland’s refuge for endangered species,
means “river with many rapids and waterfalls”
safaris to see animals such as Giraffe, Zebra,
dotted with waterholes and with a network of
for the reserve is sliced by the Malolotja River,
Kudu, Jackal, Wildebeest, and Nyala during the
game-viewing roads, this game reserve was
which forms a series of waterfalls, including the
day and possibly Hyena, Genets, Servals, and
established in 1979 to save Nguni cattle, which
country’s highest waterfalls; the Malolotja Falls.
Honey Badgers during the night.
were close to extinction, and has gone on to
tracks, and cast a line for fish in the two rivers.
Tortoises as well as 350 species of birds, many
102
Best of eSwatini
include other endangered species such as the black and white Rhinos, Hippopotamus pods, Roan Antelope, Sable Antelope, Tsessebe, Elephant and Cape Buffalo herds. Birds of note include Narina trogon, purplecrested
turaco,
grey-headed
bush-shrike,
gorgeous bushshrike and the pygmy kingfisher.
Mantenga Reserve, Village and Falls Mantenga Nature Reserve offers a fun taste of Swazi nature and culture. This small protected 725 hectares reserve is home to the Mantenga Cultural Village, a recreation of Swazi life in the 1850s. Here, visitors can learn about Swazi culture and customs, participate in activities and watch impressive performances of traditional song and dance. A highlight of the reserve is the spectacular Mantenga Falls, Swaziland’s most famous falls with the biggest volume of water (95m high). The
conservation areas and its most popular game
reserve also protects wildlife such as baboons,
reserve, home to more than 400 species of birds
Shewula Nature Reserve and Shewula Mountain Camp
vervet monkeys, bush babies, porcupine, rock
and many animals, including Zebras, Vervet
The Shewula Mountain Camp was Swaziland’s
hyraxes, serval, leopard, and various species
Monkeys, Crocodiles, Warthogs, Caracals,
first community-owned eco-tourism attraction
of antelope, as well as an abundance of birds.
Hippos, and Antelopes.
and offers a different kind of tourism. Visitors can partake in village walks to get to know the
Visitors can explore the reserve on foot, in their The sanctuary offers plenty of activities and
local community and its members, witness
includes game drives, nature walks, mountain
traditional song and dance performances, visit
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
biking, horseback rides, a village cultural
with a traditional healer, or enjoy the tranquil
This Sanctuary is one of Swaziland’s first
experience, and swimming.
natural surroundings.
own vehicles, or on mountain bike.
Best of eSwatini
103
ACTIVITIES Treetop Canopy Tours within Malolotja Nature Reserve Visitors can experience the thrill of gliding through the forest canopy within the Malolotja Nature Reserve. The canopy tour offers views of towering cliff faces and forests. Safety is paramount, and the system has been built to the highest civil engineering standards. Guides are trained professionals and this breath taking experience can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
White Water Rafting There is no shortage of thrilling activities to keep you occupied and enthralled in Swaziland, and for adventure lovers there is no greater rush than an exhilarating white water rafting trip down
Over three billion years old, this is one of
occasions, though neither of these buildings are
Swaziland’s Great Usutu River.
Swaziland’s most surprising natural attractions.
open to the public.
If you have between two and four hours to spare, This excursion is the only one of its kind in the
opt for a guided hike to the top. This is one of
However, visitors can tour the Parliament
country, and is available only through one tour
the most rewarding Swaziland tourist attractions
Building. Also in Lobamba, the Somhlolo
operator, Swazi Trails. Half-day and full-day
that promises views to remember for a lifetime.
Stadium is the venue of major cultural and
packages are available, with trained river guides
sporting events, state celebrations, concerts,
to accompany you, there is no prior experience
Lobamba
dance performances, and speeches by the
needed.
In the beautiful Ezulwini valley (the Valley of
King.
Heaven), Lobamba is Swaziland’s spiritual and
Sibebe Rock
cultural heart. This laid-back town is home
National Museum
Second only to Uluru in Australia’s Northern
to Swaziland’s monarchy as well as its most
Set in beautiful gardens, the small and modest
Territory, Sibebe Rock is the largest exposed
important buildings.
National Museum in Lobamba hosts fascinating exhibits on the history, culture, and nature of
granite dome in the world. Here, visitors will find the Lobamba Royal Village
104
Swaziland.
Sitting about 10 kilometers outside the capital
with the Royal Kraal, the Parliament Building,
city of Mbabane, and unlike its Australian cousin
the National Museum, and other government
The displays include examples of traditional
(Uluru), Sibebe doesn’t suffer from tourist
buildings. The large Embo State Palace, and
dress with explanations of the significance of
overcrowding. The rock’s sheer magnitude can
the magnificent State House, built in 1978,
each piece as well as a few exhibits on the native
be felt from the base.
is used mainly for ceremonial and other state
wildlife and dioramas with typical highveld and
Best of eSwatini
lowveld habitats. Outside the Museum, visitors can explore a recreation of a Swazi kraal (village) with thatched huts. This is a great place to gain a feel for the country and its customs. This museum has some interesting displays of Swazi culture, as well as a traditional beehive village and cattle enclosure, and several of King Sobhuza II’s 1940s cars.
King Sobhuza II Memorial Park Across the road from parliament, this memorial was established as a tribute to King Sobhuza II, who led Swaziland to independence from British rule in 1968. Its main highlight is a 3m-tall bronze statue of the late, revered King. There is a small museum with various pictures and documents about his life with the King’s mausoleum also within the park.
Best of eSwatini
105
Swaziland Civil Aviation Authority (SWACAA) King Mswati iii International Airport – the gateway to the majestic wonders of Swaziland.
The Mission To continuously improve our safety and security oversight performance; market King Mswati III International Airport professionally; strive to be an efficient and effective organisation responsive to our customer’s needs. Airlines
can
experience
intense
financial,
commercial and operational support in setting up new routes and in increasing capacities for passenger transport from King Mswati III International Airport.
What makes King Mswati III International Airport unique? • The King Mswati III International Airport is the
facilitate economic growth to a first world status
strategic gateway to Swaziland and South-
level. The airport was opened in 2014.
building
matches
high
• The airport has a prime location within a twohour drive from the Kruger National Park
eastern Africa for tourism and business. Located 50km from the country’s largest city Manzini, the
The Vision
airport is the Kingdom’s flagship facility in the
The Swaziland Civil Aviation Authority strives for
nationwide infrastructural investment.
safety and security in civil aviation in Swaziland, promote environmentally responsible growth of
106
terminal
international quality standards
and offers a first mover advantage to airlines seeking traffic growth • Swaziland has a growing tourism market at a rate of 5% per annum
As an airport operator, Swaziland Civil Aviation
the Swazi civil aviation sector and develop King
• The airport is in the vicinity of national parks:
Authority (SWACAA) has the objective to promote
Mswati III International Airport as a catalyst for
Hlane and Mkhaya offering an incredible safari
King Mswati III International Airport in order to
economic development.
experience
Best of eSwatini
• The district catchment area is >1 million people • Great opportunity for multiple airline operation • The traffic forecast for the airport shows a growing 34% per annum for the next 3 years • Swaziland enjoys a stable and flat seasonality King
Mswati
III
International
Airport
can
accommodate fully laden Jumbo jets and other large aircrafts. The runway is 3.6 km long and the apron covers an area of about 300m x 192m. It is designed for operations involving two Code E aircraft (Boeing 747, Boeing 777 and Airbus 340) and three Code C aircraft (ERJ135). The passenger terminal can handle and process about 300 passengers an hour, while the parking area caters for 200 vehicles. The three levels of the terminal building are: the ground floor consisting of the passenger concourse and baggage-handling facilities, the mezzanine; home to the airport staff offices and first floor which includes a passenger concourse and arrival and departure lounges.
For further information, please do not hesitate contacting SWACAA under the following email address. Email: marketing@swacaa.co.sz
Best of eSwatini
107
CHAPTER 4
arts and crafts
Arts anD Crafts Swaziland is famous for its excellent craftsmen and craftsmanship, and is home to several craft markets and shopping attractions – all uniquely Swazi.
From scenic drives around the countryside, to exciting arts and crafts, unique rock art and festivals – Swaziland will quickly capture your heart. Nsangwini Rock Art Shelter and Bushmen Paintings With a single exception, the rock art of Swaziland belongs to the Bushman tradition of expressing cultural beliefs and rituals as paintings on the walls of rock shelters and, occasionally, on free standing rock faces. Culture buffs will love this community-run archaeological site. The well-preserved paintings are under a small but impressive rock shelter, which is perched over the Komati River and offers lovely views across the mountains.
110
Best of eSwatini
The cave was believed to be that of the
Arts and Crafts
Nsangwini Bushmen and features the only
Swaziland has a remarkably impressive range
known paintings of winged humans.
of traditional arts and crafts with many of its products now found in trendy ethnic boutiques
This site was one of the first to be located, in
around the world.
Swazi Market, Mbabane Mbabane, Swaziland’s cool-climate capital,
1958. Although it was not realised at the time, it contained more diversity of subject matter than
Throughout the country men and women are
is home to the Swazi Market. The stalls here
any found subsequently. There was one feature
hard at work creating the finest handicrafts that
brim with fresh produce, pottery, hand-made
which even at that time was thought to be
are so popular with visitors.
baskets, masks, traditional fabrics, soapstone carvings, and beaded jewelry.
unusual, namely two winged figures in dark red monochrome which stood out because of their
Creative basket-ware in vibrant colours, wood
clarity of detail on a panel separated by a crack
and
exquisite
Particularly interesting is the traditional medicine
in the rock from the rest of the painting surface.
candles, batik items, jewellery – all uniquely
center, with an impressive array of healing
Bushmen Paintings are spread all over Africa
Swazi. In many places that they are on sale,
lotions and potions. About an hour’s drive away,
with many of these paintings found all over
there is also the chance to see the craftspeople
shoppers can see more Swazi crafts, including
Swaziland, resembling the past and the
at work and marvel at their intricate skills. Many
baskets, jewelry, and textiles at Tintsaba Crafts,
everlasting lifestyle for hundreds of years
are socially responsible outlets which provide
just past the Piggs Peak Hotel. Another leading
depicting animal and human behaviors of a
both income and empowerment for their
producer from Swaziland, specialising in sisal
bygone era.
craftspeople from poorer rural communities.
baskets.
stone
carvings,
glassware,
Best of eSwatini
111
Manzini Market
wares at their villages and make their way to the
and Mozambique which are hard to find
Manzini’s main drawcard is its colourful market,
market to sell them.
elsewhere in Swaziland.
Swaziland’s biggest city, the lowveld city of
A large portion of the Manzini Market is set aside
Ngwenya Glass
Manzini, operates every Thursday, and provides
for the sale of fruits and vegetables, household
an excellent opportunity for crafters both local
items and traditional medicines while a separate
and from afar to showcase their wares.
portion of the market is devoted to an enormous
where the vibrant Manzini Market, located in
range of products which include interesting
Ngwenya Glass is regarded as Africa’s most prestigious glass factory and is one of the country’s major tourist attractions.
The market has gained a reputation as a popular
hand carved wooden pieces, traditional pottery,
tourist attraction, and houses a wide and
beautiful beadwork and embroidery, various
interesting variety of traditional Swazi arts, crafts,
leather products, and woven baskets for which
curios and other handmade items.
Swaziland is very well known.
Most of the stalls at the Manzini Market are
Also to be found at the Manzini Market are a
decorative art glass and tableware, all made
operated by women who manufacture their
large variety of fabrics from Zimbabwe, Congo
from recycled glass.
Ngwenya pieces can be found in art galleries and airport shops around the world, this superb glass-blowing factory and boutique showcases a fantastic selection of animal figurines, vases,
112
Best of eSwatini
Swazi Candles
Baobab Batik
techniques that have been passed onto local
The Swazi Candles Craft Market is a unique
Baobab Batik is a social enterprise, founded by
Swazi craftsmen since the opening in August
shopping center showcasing work by local
Els Hooft in 1991. Wishing to follow her passion
1987.
artisans and is another one of the most famous
of creating batiks, as well as offering sustainable
handicraft outlets in Southern Africa. Among
work opportunities for women, with the vision to
Pieces range from decorative animal bowls, to
the boutiques and gift shops of this outdoor
be a leading example in Swaziland and beyond,
everyday items such as wine glasses and wine
complex is Swazi Candles – a colorful collection
of a social enterprise using thought leadership
stoppers, to unique chess sets and corporate
of paraffin wax candles, scented beauty
and innovation to empower women and develop
gifts. Visitors can also watch the glass blowing
products, and other gifts.
the batik art form.
The candles are molded by hand into several
Since then Baobab Batik has evolved into a
The
factory
uses
age-old
glass
blowing
process safely from a viewing platform above the workshop.
standard and animal shapes with lively patterns
thriving enterprise employing 35 artisans full
This renowned artistry is very famous and can
and beautiful designs. These candles are always
time producing genuine batik-work of beautiful
be considered as a prime Swazi tourism sector
of unique design. The Swazi candle has been
printed wall hangings, clothing and cushion
directly contributing to the economy.
functioning since 1981.
covers. Their best known batiks are vibrant
Best of eSwatini
113
in colour and depict the African sunset. Batik making is a fairly long process, but the results are always a surprise, so no item is ever the same. They have one shop located at Swazi Candles craft centre and one at Malandela’s Restaurant, both are tourist centers in Malkerns.
House On Fire, Malkerns Set in beautiful farmlands with the mountains of Mllilwane as a backdrop and lauded as one of the most eclectic entertainment venues in the world. Vast differences of architectural and artistic styles connect in harmony, reinforcing the underlying theme of cultural meeting points. It is a fantasyscape which entices and inspires, encouraging the viewer to wander and explore the flow of the venue. The changing moods traverse the emotional landscape – from playful humour and fabulous colour – to the profound and the thought provoking. If the artistic ambience of House on Fire lights up
and soapstone is quarried from the highveld of
Bahle Gallery in Mbabane. They both represent
Swaziland, where it lies in abundance.
the best artists in Swaziland and organise new exhibitions on a regular basis.
your soul, their in-house design studio creates
114
pieces of art allowing aficionados to take a piece
AT A GLANCE
of the fire home.
Art: Swaziland has a vibrant and exciting
Carvings and Sculpture: Swaziland has a
contemporary art scene with fine artists,
fine tradition of carving, both in wood and
Of particular importance to the works is the
sculptors and photographers. To see the best
stone. Various wooden items can be found
sensitive use of locally sourced materials.
contemporary art exhibitions visit Yebo Art
in craft markets around the country – mostly
Wooden pieces are made from invasive trees,
Gallery which is situated in Ezulwini and or
functional pieces. Stone carvers work largely
Best of eSwatini
ranges from ethnic pieces incorporating such natural products as seedpods and feathers, to fine items in gold and silver. You will find many Jewellery outlets in Markets in towns such as Manzini and Mbabane as well as some small outlets in the Mantenga area. Quazi Design, based in Mbabane with a shop at Ngwenya Glass, transform discarded waste magazines into original accessories. Mohair Weaving: Coral Stephens established a workshop in the Piggs Peak area over 60 years ago, teaching traditional skills to local women, and producing a range of fine, hand-woven fabrics that sell worldwide. Tsandza Weaving, have a hand weaving with soapstone, turning their skilled hands to
which produce and export a wide range of
workshop based in Lomah Eco Village, south of
everything from palm-sized ashtrays to larger-
products and employ hundreds of local women,
Matsapha, and create a similar range of products
than-life human sculptures.
making a major contribution to their surrounding
using traditional techniques. Both enterprises
communities.
employ many local women.
Grass Weaving: Most markets and craft stalls display beautifully patterned baskets woven
Jewellery:
is
As well as the many traditional arts and crafts
from grass or sisal and coloured with natural
beadwork, used in bracelets, anklets, necklaces
in Swaziland, there are many artisan food
dyes. Tintsaba, near Piggs Peak and Gone Rural
and
producers too, such as Eswatini Kitchen, Black
at Malandelas are two impressive enterprises
conveyed in the patterns and motifs. Today it
other
Traditional
Swazi
accessories,
with
jewellery
messages
Mamba Chilli and Bulembu Honey.
Best of eSwatini
115
CHAPTER 5
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
118
Best of eSwatini
FESTIVALS Experiencing Swaziland’s rich culture and friendly people are definite highlights of a visit here, with colourful and joyous traditional festivals that are now recognised around the world.
Umhlanga, or Reed Dance Ceremony
This Swazi cultural event is performed as a
Travelers are welcome to watch some of the
centuries in time. It is largely private, however
celebrations of the main festivals, namely
it’s final two public days (normally a Sunday and
the Umhlanga, the animated Reed Dance
Monday) are a spectacle that is unrivalled in
ceremony, which is Swaziland’s most famous
Africa today.
tribute to the Royal Family and dates back
festival. Taking place during the last week of August or first week of September each year,
Thousands upon thousands of maidens dress
when young women from around the country
up in brightly coloured attire and sing and dance
come to participate in a joyful song and dance
together as they deliver the Reed or Umhlanga
performance.
to the Royal Residence. Their enjoyment of this ceremony is quite apparent as they use the
This is Swaziland’s best known cultural event,
opportunity of bonding with girls of similar ages
and has a more open feel than the Incwala.
from across the country.
Umhlanga, or Reed Dance ceremony, is an annual Swazi and Zulu event. In Swaziland,
As the maidens dance, warriors and other
tens of thousands of unmarried and childless
spectators often join the dance Kugiya or throw
Swazi girls and women travel from the various
money at their feet in appreciation of their
Chiefdoms to the Ludzidzini Royal Residence to
skill. A traveller lucky enough to witness this
participate in the eight-day event, where young
event will appreciate its special purpose in
girls cut reeds and present them to the Queen
bonding the nation, instilling good morals
Mother (Indlovukazi) – to repair the windbreak
(virginity is essential for attendance) and
around her Royal Residence – and then dance
allowing rural girls to travel outside of their home
in celebration.
areas.
Best of eSwatini
119
The Incwala
Incwala Lenkhulu. A number of activities — such
This is Swaziland’s most important cultural
as lusekwane, kuhlamahlama, and umdvutjulwa
event and a national event that takes place
— mark the key events of this age old tradition.
during the summer solstice, the Incwala unites the country and celebrates the beginning of the
A ceremony that has lasted for hundreds of
harvest season.
years, it is one of the last remaining examples of what was previously common practice in
In December and January, Incwala is an
many African countries; often translated as
impressive Kingship ritual lasting about three
“First Fruits Festival” the tasting of the first of the
weeks. At the beginning of the celebrations,
seasons bounty by the King is only one part of
representatives of the Bemanti people bring
this long ritual.
water from the main rivers of Swaziland, gathered at the new moon. Young men then
It has a spiritual power that is largely lost on
build a royal kraal at Lobamba from branches of
outsiders, and indeed many of its inner workings
the lusekwane tree and other plants. The climax
remain shrouded in secrecy. Essentially this is
is reached on the “great day,” when the King,
about cleansing and renewal, and – above
clad in his finest robes, symbolically tastes the
all – celebrating Kingship. Although not a
first fruits of the harvest followed by cheerful
tourism event per se, visitors with an interest
song and dance.
in Swaziland culture are always welcomed. Respect for total privacy is required on certain
Incwala is the main ritual of Kingship in the
special days when the nation gathers for its own
Kingdom of Swaziland, with the main person
focus, without outside interference.
in Incwala being the King of Swaziland; when
120
Best of eSwatini
there is no King there is no Incwala. Incwala
Every Swazi may take part in the public parts
takes place over a period of time of about a
of the Incwala, while spectators are permitted
month, starting with the small Incwala; Incwala
but not actively encouraged – and you may not
Lencane, and culminating in the big Incwala;
take photographs except by special permit. The
best day to attend is Day four of the Big Incwala,
branches in between poles of the “Inhlambelo”,
on chairs/mats, shaking hands, scratching,
when the feasting and dancing reach a climax,
the King’s private sanctuary.
singing and dancing.
including warriors in full battle regalia – thronging
Day 3 – Morning
Day 6 – Day of the Log
the royal parade grounds. The songs, dances
Young boys cut branches of the black
The regiments march to a forest and return
and rituals that take place inside the royal kraal
“Imbondvo”
willow/combretum
with firewood, where the elders prepare a
remain a matter of utmost secrecy and may not
apiculatum) and these are then added to the
great fire in the centre of the cattle byre. On it,
be recorded or written down.
“Inhlambelo.”
certain objects are burnt, signifying the end of
and where you will see thousands of people –
(red
bush
the old year, while the key players dance and The event takes place around the last week of
Day 3 – Afternoon
sing inside the cattle byre. The King remains
December / first week of January. The dates for
A bull charges out, the Lusekwane boys catch
in seclusion until the next full moon, when
the event are released relatively close to the time
and overpower the beast and return it to the
the “Lusekwane” branches are then removed
as they derive from ancestral astrology.
sanctuary.
and burnt.
The full sequence of the Big Incwala is as follows:
Day 4 – Main Day
Do’s and Don’ts of the Incwala
All the key players perform in a spectacular
· Females should wear skirts or sarongs
pageant inside the cattle byre; the King and the
· Men should not wear hats or any head gear
Day 1 – Dispersing of regiments (Tingaja)
regiments appear in full war-dress and dance to
Unmarried male youths set off from Engabezweni
a number of songs, then emerging to throw the
Royal residence and march 50km to cut
sacred gourd (Luselwa), which is caught on a
branches of the sacred shrub (lusekwane) under
black shield by one of the Lusekwane boys.
the light of the full moon, accompanied by Emabutfo.
that is not traditional · Shoes are worn at the ceremony but not on the dance arena · Do take pictures at the ceremony but not of the Inhlambelo (King’s private sanctuary)
Day 5 – Day of Abstinence
· Please use restrooms
The King sits in seclusion in the “great hut”.
· Do sing, dance, encourage and uphold unity
Day 2 – Dropping the Lusekwane
The “bemanti” roam the royal capital in daylight
The boys place their lusekwane branches in the
hours, enforcing the rules of this day. No sexual
national cattle byre. The elders then weave these
contact, bathing, wearing decorations, sitting
amongst Swazis · Do inform friends and tourists of prohibitions during Incwala
Best of eSwatini
121
The Buganu / Marula Festival
ingredient, with huge fertility properties. The
• Marula essential oils is an effective skin
The Marula season begins each year in mid-
King and Queen mother are presented with
conditioner. Its cosmetic and anti-oxidant
February and continues until May, bringing with
Marula gifts and some Marula beer from each
properties soften, soothe and re-hydrate the
it a celebration of the harvest of the marula fruit.
household. Only after the royal family has
Once the green fruits fall to the ground, women
had some of the beer, is the rest of the nation
and children gather and store them until they
permitted to join in and drink as well.
ripen to a creamy yellow colour. The fruits are
food source, magical qualities as a healing ingredient, to its virility and fertility properties,
then placed into water where sugar is added
Because of its many uses, the marula fruit is no
as well as the many uses of its bark, leaves,
and it is fermented, and distilled into a beer.
longer just used to brew beer in Swaziland. It has been further developed into beauty products
fruit, nut and kernels.
This potent alcoholic mixture is called buganu, or marula beer.
as part of Her Majesty, The Indlovukazi’s job creation and poverty alleviation initiatives for
The Kingdom of Swaziland celebrates the start
rural women in Swaziland.
of the Marula season with the annual Marula
Sequence of Events • On the first day, the Queen Mother arrives at Buhleni Royal Residence, and the women of the area present bucket-loads of marula fruit
festival. The festival is increasing in popularity,
The marula products are produced under a
and is swiftly becoming one of the country’s
company called Swazi Secrets; a well-fitting
most exciting traditional ceremonies. Each year
name for the secret of the marula fruit. The
King Mswati III and Her Majesty the Indlovukazi,
fruit has been developed into many different
the Queen Mother, make their way to various
beauty products. These products also come
regions of the Kingdom to celebrate the
in hotel packages and gift packages. For more
beginning of the Marula Season.
information about these products visit: www.
Marula Brew – Umganu – is presented to
swazisecrets.com
Their Majesties, who partake of the brew and
Residence at Ebuhleni where the royal family join the nation in song and dance. Although the Marula Fruit is found widely throughout Africa, it
Marula Quick Facts • Marula fruit contains four times more valuable vitamin C than oranges.
is most popular in Swaziland. Seen by the Swazi
• Marula edible seed oil is rich in nutritious
nation as much more than a food source, the
proteins and minerals and contains active
Marula is rather regarded as a magical healing
anti-oxidants.
Best of eSwatini
harvested over the last week. All the women are dressed in traditional clothing and respect is shown, praise and thanks are given. • On the second day, the main day, the King usually joins the Queen Mother and the
declare the season open. This is celebrated
The largest of these festivals is held at the Royal
122
skin while fighting free radicals. • Marula legends abound – from its use as a
by song and dance, specific to the occasion. • Following this, the marula brew; buganu, is officially blessed and may be consumed across the country. • A second event of similar rituals is held at Hlane Royal Residence.
These festivals are living cultural events that, bar the odd wristwatch and mobile phone, have hardly changed in two hundred years. Visitors are allowed to watch, but neither ceremony makes any concession to tourism; even the precise dates are not published in advance, being dependent on the vagaries of ancestral astrology. The main events happen at the royal parade grounds at Ludzidzini but the mood of celebration sweeps the nation, and visitors to the country around the time of the events will doubtlessly see wandering bands of warriors or maidens decked out in full regalia as they head to or from the festivities. This is a time for the Swazi people to come together and celebrate their rich heritage for the Swazi people of today and the Swazi people of the future.
www.thekingdomofswaziland.com
Best of eSwatini
123
CALENDAR OF EVENTS The cheerful and friendly Swazi people have upheld their rich culture and traditions as a vital element in their day-to-day lives; with colorful festivals and ceremonies being held to celebrate the Swazi way of life. In addition to the three main cultural events; the Umhlanga, the Incwala and the Marula Festival, festivities and celebrations in Swaziland are carried out year-round, it is good to note however that Swazi cultural events in particular are subject to minor changes in dates, as the official announcements of these events are often only a week or two in advance.
MID FEBRUARY – EARLY MARCH
various regions of the Kingdom to celebrate the
full Kingly powers upon independence from the
beginning of the Marula Season.
British Empire on 6 September, 1968.
Marula Festival (Ebuhleni)
Marula Festival (Hlane)
Because Mswati III was born during the same
The Marula season begins each year in mid-
The Swazis hold an annual Marula Festival
year that Swazi independence was gained,
February and continues until early March,
celebrated at the Royal Residence of the King at
the King’s Birthday is also viewed as a kind of
bringing with it a celebration of the harvest of
Hlane in the Lubombo Region of Swaziland. Both
independence celebration.
the marula fruit and a tribute to the riches of
the King and the Queen Mother are presented
Mother Nature.
with Marula beer from each household, in
25 APRIL – National Flag Day
keeping with it being a ‘fruit fit for Kings.’ Only
Every 25 April is National Flag Day in Swaziland.
afterwards can Swazis drink their home brew.
This holiday looks back to the raising of
Locally known as ‘Emaganwini’, this festival is
Swaziland’s flag and the lowering of the
a time of song, dance and celebration of this
124
diverse fruit – used not just in delightful beer, but
19 APRIL – The King’s Birthday
British flag in 1968, when Swaziland gained
also in skin care products and medicine.
Celebrating King Mswati III’s Birthday. On 19
its independence. The flag itself, however, was
April, 1968, Makhosetive Dlamini, later renamed
introduced by King Sobhuza II in 1941.
Each year King Mswati III and Her Majesty the
Mswati, was born to Sobhuza II, King of
Indlovukazi the Queen Mother make their way to
Swaziland. However, Sobhuza only assumed
Best of eSwatini
The flag of Swaziland is very colourful and very
unique. It has two blue stripes, standing for
this list, recently named as one of the “Top 30
Immediately after independence, Swaziland had
peace, a red stripe, standing for bloodshed in
international festivals“ named on the EVERFEST
a constitutional monarchy that limited the King’s
the nation’s wars, and two thin yellow stripes,
FEST 300 list.
powers to a degree. But in 1972, Sobhuza sent
representing this small nation’s rich natural resources.
Swaziland’s parliament home and decided to More than a music festival, the MTN Bushfire is
rule as absolute monarch. He ruled until his
a holistic experience made up of a rich texture
death on 21 August, 1982.
A shield appears in the middle of the flag,
of arts, cultures, crafts, food markets, and
representing the protection of Swaziland’s
specialised zones that combine to create an
Despite taking control as absolute monarch, the
people, while two spears stand for the power
explosive three-day event and a memorable
people of Swaziland look favourably on King
of Swaziland’s royal house. The fact that the
take home experience. – www.bush-fire.com
Sobhuza II because he helped the economy to
shield is part black and part white symbolises black and white populations of Swaziland living together in peace.
Imvelo MTB Classic (Mlilwane)
Major Flag Day activities in Swaziland include official flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and patriotic speeches.
held every June at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary sponsored by Nedbank Swaziland and Big over different distances, the longest being
prosper and led in major positive social changes. He also helped preserve the cultural traditions of his people in the midst of these changes. He is much respected even after his death, and the people remember him as a great Swazi leader every year.
JULY
64km, and is followed by a party for all cyclists.
MTN Bushfire modern
Imvelo is an annual mountain biking competition
Game Parks. It comprises of a series of races
MAY
The
JUNE
event
There are four routes allowing cyclists of all that
has
gained
Ngwenya Glass Mountain Bike Challenge
an
abilities to enjoy Mlilwane: The International Tool
international reputation in far fewer years is
Hire 64km Classic, The 35km Challenge, The
the MTN Bushfire Festival – a performing arts
Spur 22km Family Fun Race and The 12.5km
festival held every May.
Hoglets.
An annual performing arts festival held over
22 JULY – Public Holiday
a long May weekend at House on Fire,
The late King Sobhuza II’s birthday falls on 22
Malandela’s. It is one of the biggest and best of
July and continues to be commemorated out of
its kind in southern Africa, with everything from
respect to the sovereign’s memory. Although he
live music and theatre to film, workshops and a
died in 1982, the Kings Father’s Birthday is kept
This challenge has three different routes to take
global food fair.
because of the great importance of Sobhuza II
part in – the 70km Marathon, 40km Classic and
in Swaziland’s history.
27km Family Ride.
award in 2017, hailed by CNN as one of the “7
King Sobhuza II reigned for 82 years and
Profits from the Ngwenya Glass Mountain Bike
African music festivals you really have to see,”
oversaw the independence of Swaziland from
Challenge are used to develop community
and listed by BBC as a “Top African Festival,”
the United Kingdom. A regent ruled during his
projects in the Motshane Valley.
MTN Bushfire can now add a new accolade to
early years, but he still ruled directly for 61 years.
www.mtb.ngwenyaglass.co.sz
A Mountain Bike race held annually at the Ngwenya Glass Factory. Swaziland is a mountain bikers dream, with amazing scenery and a diverse array of possible routes at many different altitudes. Due to the race being at high altitude it is great for high altitude training for other longer events and races.
Winner of the “African Best Responsible Event“
Best of eSwatini
125
JULY Epilepsy Golf (Ngwenya)
Situated in Sidvokodvo, a town in central Swaziland, south of Manzini, Riders Ranch boasts great biking facilities not only for the rally
Annual golf tournament funding educational
but for other events as well. The Ranch offers
structures and enhancing the livelihood of those
everything that you want for a Biker’s Event
living with or affected by epilepsy.
Venue.
Hipnotik Festival (Ezulwini) A Hip Hop festival that takes place in Swaziland every year.
AUGUST Sibebe Survivor (Mbuluzi) Sibebe Survivor is a much anticipated and very successful annual fund raising event, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Mbabane/Mbuluzi, which challenges participants up and down Sibebe Rock; the world’s largest granite dome. In order to minimise the environmental impact there is a limit of 5,000 participants at each event. Water is provided to all walkers, as well as breakfast following the walk at the foot of the rock.
Out of the initial attendees a few have never missed a Swazi Rally. They have seen the trees that were planted growing over the years and they now claim ownership of those trees. The journey to the site comprises of picturesque scenery along meandering roads with lots of twists and turns. This large biking event attracts bikers from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Mozambique and Swaziland who cram the entire site for a weekend of fun.
AUGUST / SEPTEMBER – TBA Umhlanga/Reed Dance (Ludzidzini) The Umhlanga Reed Dance is an eight-day
All proceeds raised are to benefit people and
long event in Swaziland, and is based on a
communities less privileged in Swaziland.
centuries-old royal tradition. In its current form, it was instituted by Swazi King Sobhuza II in
Swazi Rally (last weekend August – Sidvokodvo Rider Ranch)
the 1940’s. Umhlanga is marked with a public holiday on the first Monday of September.
This is an annual biker’s event which has always
126
Best of eSwatini
been held during the last wekend in August at
During Umhlanga, literally tens of thousands of
Riders Ranch in Sidvoko since 1993. The Rally
Swazi women from all across the nation attend
has always been held over the last weekend in
the Reed Dance at the royal village of Ludzidzini.
August. Riders Ranch caters for on and off road
It is a private event, until the last two days when
riders making it a fun event for all bikers.
it goes public.
OCTOBER Inyatsi Swazi Frontier (Malolotja to Piggs Peak) This annual mountain bike race is held over three days in the north-west corner of Swaziland every October. The route is carefully designed to showcase some of Swaziland’s most spectacular and scenic mountains and valleys, from Malolotja to Piggs Peak.
Dates for the event are announced relatively
surrounded by the British Cape Colony, it was
close to the time as the precise timing of the
only a “protectorate” of the British crown. And
event is determined using ancestral astrology.
this status only began in 1906.
Swaziland International Trade Fair (Mavuso)
As early as 1921, a Swazi legislature came
This annual exhibition event is held over 10
it only allowed white representatives in an
days at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition
overwhelmingly black country. Also in 1921,
Centre in Manzini and receives support from
Sobhuza II became “leader” of Swaziland and
the King and government. Attracting over
initiated a movement to protect his nation’s
35 000 exhibitors from different private and
cultural identity.
into existence, though it was a farce since
public sector institutions, as well as foreign companies and governments.
When “real” elections were finally held in 1964,
The route is a journey and cyclists stay in comfortable accommodation at different “race villages” along the route each night.
LATE DECEMBER / EARLY JANUARY Incwala Swaziland’s most important cultural event. A ceremony that has lasted for hundreds of years, and is one of the last remaining examples of what was previously common practice in many African countries.
all seats were won by nationalist-supporting The Swaziland International Trade Fair (SITF)
candidates. Only four years later, Britain let
Although often translated as ‘first fruits festival’,
aims to promote Swaziland’s goods and
Swaziland go its own way. In 1968, it became
the tasting of the first of the season’s bounty is
services; develop links between Swaziland
an independent constitutional monarchy, and in
only one part of this long rite. Essentially this
and international businesses; provide business
1973, it became an absolute monarchy.
is about cleansing and renewal, and – above
exposure; and promote development of Small and Medium Enterprises.
SEPTEMBER Somhlolo Day (6th September)
all – celebrating Kingship. Although not a Today, special Independence Day events are
tourism event per se, visitors with an interest in
held annually in the Somhlolo National Stadium
Swaziland culture are always welcomed.
in the nation’s capital city of Lobamba, with local, smaller celebrations and patriotic or cultural
Other Holidays
displays happening throughout the country.
1 January – New Year
Independence Day (Somhlolo), a national
March/April – Good Friday and Easter Sunday
IV), who was King between 1805 and 1839, and
King’s Cup Golf Extravaganza (TBA – Royal Swazi Golf Club)
often referred to as ‘Somhlolo’ (The Wonder).
This annual golf tournament is held at the
1 May – May Day
Royal Swazi Golf Club, one of only two 18-hole
10 May – Ascension Day
courses in the country.
22 July – Public Holiday
holiday named after King Sobhuza I (Ngwane
Somhlolo Day is the name for “Independence Day” in Swaziland, and it is celebrated every 6
19 April – Birthday of King Mswati lll 25 April – National Flag Day
25 December – Christmas Day
September, the day in 1968 when Swaziland
A product of King Mswati’s 2004 Job Creation
gained its independence from the British Empire.
Summit, this event is held in honour of His
26 December – Boxing Day
Majesty King Mswati III (who is both the Patron Swaziland, the traditional homeland of the
and Host) and attracts business people from
Swazi people, was under colonial rule relatively
South Africa and around the region, bringing
briefly and somewhat incompletely. Though
visitors to the region of Ezulwini.
www.thekingdomofswaziland.com www.publicholidays.africa
Best of eSwatini
127
CHAPTER 6
TRADE AND INVESTMENT
Ease of Doing Business Overview The Swazi economy is closely linked to the South African economy, from which it receives over 87% of its imports and to which it sends about 70% of its exports. Swaziland’s other key trading partners are the United States and the EU, from which the country has received preferential trade terms for apparel exports – under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) – to the US and for sugar exports to the EU. Under these agreements, both apparel and sugar exports have done well, with rapid growth and a strong inflow of foreign direct investment both observed. With a limited domestic market, export-oriented industries are the backbone of Swaziland’s economy, which is influenced by global trends, commodity prices and capital flows. About 50% of the country’s products, including sugar, coal and citrus are sold internationally. More than 50% of Swaziland’s exports are to South Africa, which provides a diverse consumer profile, a high-potential market and geographic proximity, all of which make it a natural target for Swaziland. Inevitably, South Africa’s economic performance has a major influence on the local economic climate.
Investment Trends The manufacturing and processing sectors have been the major contributors to economic growth over the years. This has been due to successive governments’ commitment to increasing the sectors contribution through a variety of incentives. Recently tourism has been nurtured to further boost economic growth. In an endeavor to broaden and sustain the manufacturing sector, Swaziland is shifting its focus to high value investments, mainly to attract efficiency-seeking mediumsized technical companies. Such investments are in a better position to sustain the economy, absorb the available human resources and lift exports. Areas of investment that are promoted include food processing and agri-business, BPO & contact centres, electronic component assembly (white goods), energy, mining, timber and sugar value addition, pharmaceuticals and light engineering.
130
Best of eSwatini
Best of eSwatini
131
Currency: The Lilangeni (Emalangeni plural) is
major international currencies. Again, this has
the national currency and is tied to the South
been due to the careful balancing of fiscal and
African Rand under the Monetary Agreement.
monetary policies.
Other signatories to the agreement are Lesotho and Namibia. South African notes are legal
Commercial Banks: Swaziland has three
tender in Swaziland. The monetary arrangement
privately owned commercial banks and a
between South and Swaziland dates back to
development bank. These are: First National
when both countries used the British Pound
Bank, Nedbank Swaziland, and Standard
Sterling.
Bank Swaziland. The Swaziland Development Bank (Swazi Bank) is a government owned
Interest Rates: For the first time since 2003,
development commercial bank.
local interest rates fell below those in South
• Swazi Bank
Africa by 50 basis points and as inflationary
Swazi Bank was established in 1965 by the late
pressures eased, the discount rate fell five times
King Sobhuza II. Its main objectives were the
by a total of 450 basis points to reach 7%. It is
provision of loans to smallholder farmers and
expected that the lower cost of borrowing will
low cost housing projects. Today it is known
be an incentive to potential investors.
as Swazi Bank and its mandate has changed to incorporate developmental finance and other banking solutions to meet the nation’s
inflation to ensure that there are real benefits
demands. Swazi Bank has become a major
to be realised by investors in the country.
player in the financial sector and continues to
With a strong macroeconomic environment
generate profits despite the high risk mandate
and stable monetary policies, the inflation rate
it must adhere to. Through all its positive
The Central Bank of Swaziland is the bank of
has been kept in check for the past few years.
services and contributions to society, the bank
issue within the country’s financial structure. It
The trend has been for rates to fluctuate in a
has achieved many performance awards,
was established as the monetary authority in
4% – 6% band, which has helped to moderate
1974 under the Monetary Authority Order of the
commodity price rises. The average inflation
• First National Bank
same year, empowering the bank to monitor,
rate is 5.3%. The somewhat predictable
First National Bank has operated in Swaziland
regulate and develop Swaziland’s financial
inflation environment settles well with the
since 1995, with branches throughout the
infrastructure.
strengthening of the local currency relative to
country. The business and corporate division
Financial Services
132
Inflation: Government has effectively managed
Best of eSwatini
attracting international attention.
provides working capital and term funding structures for business and commercial operations
throughout
Swaziland.
The
treasury department caters for all local and foreign market transacting and offers expert international banking advice and information. • Nedbank Swaziland Nedbank offers a wide range of services that cater for all client groups. The bank makes sustained efforts to accommodate all its clients. Nedbank is the only financial institution listed on the local stock exchange. • Standard Bank Standard Bank Swaziland has been operating in the country since 1988, and is the largest commercial bank in the country in terms of capital and assets. It is a member of the Standard Bank Group.
Best of eSwatini
133
Infrastructure
and large sized businesses are found.
Swaziland has modern infrastructural facilities suitable
for
companies
export-oriented seeking
to
and
reduce
global
operating/
The industrial sites are fully serviced with reliable infrastructure and utilities including:
production costs and gain a foothold in global
• Competitively priced factory buildings readily
export markets, while at the same time benefiting
available from the Ministry of Commerce,
from a safe and well-established base location.
Industry and Trade, the Swaziland Industrial Development
Key facilities include: reasonably priced and
Company
and
private
developers.
reliable utilities; modern road infrastructure
• A regionally linked electricity supply network
and railway networks; reliable haulage and
that provides a reliable and competitively
courier services; and sophisticated banking and insurance facilities.
priced service to all businesses. • A well developed and robust telecommunications system (including mobile cellular
Swaziland has developed excellent industrial estates in key urban centres, where medium
134
Best of eSwatini
system). • Abundant and consistent water supply.
Best of eSwatini
135
the reducing balance method, over the lifetime of the asset.
Investment Incentives and Guarantees
The Government of Swaziland has identified specific areas in which it is seeking to bolster
Hotel construction and improvement allow-
The Government of Swaziland has committed
investment
direct
ance: 50% of the cost is deductible in the year in
itself
investment), and for such areas there exists a
which it is incurred on the construction of a new
special corporate tax incentive.
hotel or beneficial improvements to an existing
to
facilitating
the
establishment
of
productive enterprises and reducing the burden
(either
local
or
foreign
of operating expenses and private corporation
136
hotel. In addition, an annual allowance of 4% of
tax. Consequently, a number of incentives have
For investments in areas such as manufacturing,
been put in place that qualifying investments
mining, agri-business, tourism and international
may take advantage of.
financial services the Minister of Finance has
Buildings (and improvements thereto) used
the prerogative to nominate a certain investing
to house manufacturing plant and machinery:
Government encourages economic develop-
company as crucial for the development
40% initial allowance in the first year of use and
ment through private sector initiatives. Foreign
of Swaziland. With cabinet approval, these
an additional 4% allowance thereafter.
and local investment in all business sectors are
nominated
welcome. The following are examples of the
incentives including a 10% corporate tax rate
Employee housing allowance: 20% in the first
investment incentives available to investors.
for 10 years and an exemption from withholding
year and 10% per annum for the ensuing eight
Â
taxes on dividends for the same.
years.
Tax Incentives Developmental Approval Order
Capital Allowances
Farming: Certain capital expenditure is tax-
This tax incentive is available to investors
Plant and machinery used in the process of
deductible, but the total deduction in any year
qualifying as a “development enterprise� as
manufacture: 50% initial allowance in the first
of assessment is limited to 30% of the gross
defined by the relevant guidelines.
year of use and a 10% annual allowance, using
income derived by the farmer from farming
Best of eSwatini
investing
companies
such expenditure is allowed.
receive
operations. Any amount disallowed is carried forward and added to expenditure in the succeeding year.
Duty Free Access on Capital Goods Capital goods imported into the country as intermediate goods (to be used as inputs for final products) are exempted from import duties.
Duty Free Access on Raw Materials Raw materials imported into Swaziland for the production of goods destined beyond SACU as exports are also exempted from import taxes.
Export Credit Guarantee Scheme Investors who manufacture/process for export markets can obtain funds from local banks to process their orders. The Government of Swaziland, through the Central Bank of Swaziland, guarantees loans for this purpose.
Best of eSwatini
137
Repatriation of Profits
Five Year Work and Residence Permits
In recent years, bureaucratic procedures have
allow full repatriation of profits and dividends of
These are available for expatriate directors,
potential investors.
enterprises operating in the country. Repatriation
senior management and key technical personnel
is also allowed for salaries of expatriates and
of new enterprises.
This has included the removal of duties on
capital repayments.
imports of raw materials and machinery and a
Liberalised
foreign
exchange
mechanisms
been revised in order to reduce the burden on
GUARANTEES Legal Protection of Investments Investments in Swaziland are protected from undue expropriation under the Swaziland Investment Promotion Act of 1998. In addition,
• Nondiscriminatory
reduced corporate tax rate. Additional benefits treatment
• 100%
foreign
ownership
Multilateral
• Guarantees
Agency
(MIGA) which provides for added legal protection of investments.
of
foreign
investments; • Guaranteed repatriation of funds;
Guarantee
foreign
investments;
Swaziland is a member of the World Bank’s Investment
of
against
expropriation
and
government interference; • Allowance to bring in expatriate technical and
include depreciation allowances for company assets, an Export Credit Guarantee Scheme, and human resources training rebates. Following approval by the Commissioner of Taxes, a rebate of 150% of the cost of training schemes can be written against tax.
senior staff. The government has provided additional support
Provision for Loss Cover
to the industry by constructing competitively-
company to carry forward a loss incurred in the
VALUE PROPOSITION Investment Support
year of assessment, and set it off against future
The Swazi government has taken direct steps
lowers the start-up hurdles for investors who are
assessable income.
to assist investors in the manufacturing industry.
new to the country.
The unlimited loss-carry forward allows a
138
Best of eSwatini
priced factory shells. This available infrastructure
Location and Market Access Swaziland’s enviable location in southern Africa makes local and international trade simple. It is positioned between South Africa and Mozambique, thus placing it at the centre of the transport grid within this block.
network ensures that exports are able to regional
markets
in the country is often considered quite
where goods are cleared for export outside the
reasonable.
country, thus making exporting from Swaziland
The country’s well developed road and rail reach
Swaziland has developed an inland dry port,
hassle-free.
The
telecommunications, rail and road infrastructure extends to many SADC and COMESA countries.
no different than shipping from the coast.
Safe and Stable Location Swaziland’s relaxed culture and stability make
Cost of Doing Business
living and working in the country an appealing
Swaziland’s low cost of doing business is a
proposition.
notable asset, particularly when considering labour costs. South Africa is one of the country’s
There is very little crime, and the small size of
greatest competitors, but its labour rates can
the nation makes doing business a friendly,
reach as much as triple those for comparable
relationship-driven experience. The Monarchy
neighbouring
positions in Swaziland. This becomes significant
and democratically elected parliament have
countries’ seaports: the Richards Bay and
when considering the labour-intensive tasks
maintained a unified, sound, and peaceful
Durban seaports in South Africa are just 400km
involved in textile and garment production.
environment that encourages business growth.
and Maputo, in Mozambique, is only 250km
Because of the generally low cost of living
Collectively,
away.
in Swaziland, the cost of conducting business
Swaziland the ideal place to establish a business.
Exporting products from Swaziland is made easier
by
the
proximity
of
and 600km away from Swaziland, respectively, these
characteristics
make
Best of eSwatini
139
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES Agriculture Agriculture has traditionally been the backbone of Swaziland’s economy and a great contributor to the country’s GDP, with a 12.7% share in 2007/8. However, a greater proportion of GDP is indirectly related to agriculture as a significant part of the manufacturing sector is value-added through the processing of agricultural products like timber, fruits and sugar cane. The sector is a major source of employment for over 70% of the rural population. The diverse agricultural activities that take place in the country include sugar cane, citrus fruit, cotton, maize and other cereal production, as well as forestry, livestock and other undertakings which generate foreign exchange earnings.
Sector Opportunities for Investment Areas of potential investment exist within the following areas: Baby Vegetables: Swaziland has an agricultural marketing agency which supports farmers growing a variety of vegetables for export but also the local market. Farmers in Swaziland are slowly penetrating this business opportunity but there is a need for a constant raw material supply of baby vegetables. Vegetable Drying: Most vegetables consumed in the country are fresh; hence they are seasonal in nature. Opportunities exist for much greater exports
and
vegetables.
140
Best of eSwatini
local
consumption
of
dried
Processed Meat: Swaziland is an importer of meat in general and this extends to processed meat including bacon, polony, ham, vienna and frankfurters. Investment could take two forms: the setting-up of processing plants in areas of the country where meat supply is available; or programmes to help supply raw materials to processing plants. Dairy
Products:
A
business
opportunity
Frozen Vegetables: Swaziland imports virtually
The country has favourable weather conditions
exists for dairy products other than milk. The
all of the frozen vegetables it consumes, despite
which can allow tomatoes to be grown all year
processing of milk products is a particular area
the fact that agriculture forms a major part of its
round.
which requires further exploration. Breeding of
economy. Almost all the vegetables in question
Indigenous Goats: The demand for goat’s meat
can be grown in the country easily through
Peanut Butter Production: Swaziland offers
is increasing locally and in export markets –
commercial farms and community schemes.
enabling weather conditions for groundnuts
particularly Asian countries.
Investment opportunities in this area are further
and other legumes. Most growers produce
enhanced by Swaziland’s abundant river water
peanuts and groundnuts for peanut powder
Cassava Processing and Starch: Swaziland
supplies.
and other raw uses. Opportunity to explore this
has been seen as a country with the necessary
area is immense as no meaningful investment
weather conditions to grow cassava. Cassava
Tomato Sauce Production: Tomatoes are
in peanut butter production has yet to take
provides an opportunity for farmers to diversify
grown in large quantities in the country and
place. Groundnuts could be grown year round
from other crops such as sugarcane and supply
have huge potential for further processing.
in Swaziland as well.
cassava production plants.
Best of eSwatini
141
Tobacco Growing: Tobacco production is
of hot and spicy food internationally. Recent
another opportunity which could be explored.
market research has confirmed the demand for
A programme for the supply of raw tobacco
green and hot pepper sauces as well as jerk
to processing plants could further help this
seasoning. Any new processing plant would
investment opportunity. The products that can
help satisfy both local and export markets.
be produced include cigarettes for both local consumption and export.
Floriculture: Flower production in Swaziland is increasing due to growth of the tourism industry.
Aquaculture: Fish farming has been in the
Flowers are attractive to local consumers and
Kingdom for some time even though local
can be exported outside the country.
consumers may not be aware of that fact. Increasingly health-conscious consumers and a
Cotton: Cotton in Swaziland has been produced
growing tourism industry has led to increased
in the dry land Lowveld of the country. The
demand for fish meat. The opportunities
crop has declined over the years but renewed
available in this area include the construction
stakeholder interest is creating opportunities
of fish hatcheries, fish ponds and processing
to revive the crop. A new programme is being
plants to produce canned fish.
put in place to help more farmers to get into the industry in order to ensure adequate supplies of
Spice Processing: There is a growing popularity
142
Best of eSwatini
the crop as a raw material.
Best of eSwatini
143
MANUFACTURING
in the number of companies investing in this
Swaziland offers immense opportunities in the
sector. Manufacturing activities undertaken
manufacturing sector. The country’s strategic
include mining drills for European markets and
location further enhances Swaziland’s export
refrigeration units for domestic and commercial
potential, which is anchored by the Government’s
purposes.
focus on value addition to a wide range of locally available unprocessed resources. Manufacturing operations range from small factories to large concerns employing thousands
Steel and wire goods are produced for the southern African and local markets. This industry is set to grow substantially as a result of the revival of the mining sector.
of people and utilising the latest technology. This
Opportunities of Investment
sector accounts for around 65% of total FDI and
• Electronic components manufacture and
as an employer is second only to agriculture, providing jobs for about 26% of the workforce.
assembly;
facturing.
Food, Confectionary and Beverage This is a very vibrant and significant part of the manufacturing sector in Swaziland. Food processing includes fruit and vegetable canning for export to the European, North American and Japanese markets. There is huge demand for Swazi produce in overseas markets – especially pineapples – which has resulted in a strategy to increase production.
• Manufacture of automobile spare parts; • Processing of hides and skins (Leather goods
144
• Furniture and other timber-related manu-
The manufacture of sweets, delicatessen
Engineering, Steel, Refrigeration and Assembly
and footwear);
and soft drink concentrates all utilise locally
• Pharmaceuticals;
produced sugar and are carried out on a large
Swaziland is beginning to experience a rise
• Biotechnology;
scale.
Best of eSwatini
Investment Opportunities • Fruit, vegetable preservation and bottling; • Bottling (preservation) of pickles and chutneys; • Bottling of jams and jellies; • Processing of beans and other legumes; • Dairy products (e.g. Yoghurts, custards) and ice bottling of spring-water and flavored spring water; • Juice squeezing (fresh juice from oranges, grapefruits, guavas etc) for sale to restaurants and the public.
Courtesy of SWAKI
Best of eSwatini
145
146
TEXTILES
and Opportunity Act (AGOA) with the US in
Textile and garment production plays a significant
2000. Guaranteed export markets encouraged
role in Swaziland’s manufacturing sector too. In
investors to enter the country and boosted
recent years, the textile and garment industry
employment. As a result, garment exports
has grown to offer a wide range of services,
to the US tripled in the three years following
including spinning, weaving, knitting, dyeing,
Swaziland’s membership of AGOA. Now that the
and finishing. Introducing such labour intensive
industry has been established, opportunities to
processes locally has increased employment
capitalise on current infrastructure and relevant
opportunities and the industry currently provides
trade policy make setting up new businesses in
jobs for over 15,000 Swazis.
the industry much simpler.
Swaziland’s textile and garment manufacturers
Value Chain
are primarily located in the Matsapha Industrial
Though the textile and garment sector is export-
Estate. Swaziland’s offering of comprehensive
oriented, the industry is vertically integrated and
product lines in one location is attractive to
includes cotton farming and the production
buyers, as it allows them to meet their broad
of cotton lint. The Swaziland Cotton Board
purchasing needs in one place. As a result,
is mandated to promote the development of
The Board was also instrumental in the
Swaziland provides textiles and garments to
the cotton industry by, among other things,
acquisition of the country’s first locally owned
some of the largest retailers in the United States,
regulating the procurement of planting seed by
cotton ginnery. Finally, the Board is working
Europe, and South Africa.
farmers to ensure a marketable final product.
closely with relevant stakeholders to introduce
The Board’s activities include initiatives to
genetically engineered cotton seed in order
Industry History
increase overall cotton production, provide
to explore the potential of growing genetically
The Swazi textiles industry took off in 2001
resources to market cotton, and develop small-
modified cotton in an effort to increase yields
after Swaziland signed the African Growth
scale spinning industries.
and reduce production costs.
Best of eSwatini
Courtesy of SWAKI
Best of eSwatini
147
Sector Opportunities
oriented while also supplying the domestic
ENERGY
footwear
market. Cotton fibres and yarn can also be
Over 95% of the total power production in
manufacturing industry is confined mostly to
imported from the SADC region to supplement
Swaziland is hydro–powered energy. Two hydro
traditional footwear that is used in a number
production if necessary.
stations supply the electricity needs of the
Footwear
manufacturing:
The
of cultural activities. A number of smaller, basic
country. These stations are owned and operated
operations focused on sandals and other basic
Leather: Swaziland has raw materials such as
by the Swaziland Electricity Company. The
shoes operate in a number of communities
cow skin hides, due to the fact the country has
smallness of the country makes it possible for
providing customer specific designs, these are
about 640,000 cattle. Commercial slaughters
SEC to adequately provide isolated transformers
mostly informal operators scattered around the
were just over 40,000 cattle in the year 2007/08.
to large individual companies in some cases.
country. The country has in the past played host
Game leather can also be sourced locally.
This helps these companies to avoid power cuts
to a sneaker manufacturing company, which
and in consequence steer clear of unnecessary and
Apparel:
Several
leading
stopped operating in the early 90’s. There are
Textile
no manufacturing entities in the commercial
international
footwear category.
manufacturing and can provide raw material for
MINING
value addition.
Over the years, the Kingdom of Swaziland has
companies
are
into
This industry has a huge potential as Swaziland
identified rich deposits of a number of precious
has preferential agreements with the US, EU
Wool and Mohair: Neighbouring South Africa is
stones and gems. Though these minerals are
and African region. These agreements offer
the world’s largest mohair producer and the fifth
only present in small volumes, they have not
generous trade and market benefits as given
largest producer of wool.
been exhaustively extracted from the ground. In
below.
148
foregone revenues due to power interruptions.
textile
a number of mines, specifically the diamond and Competitively Priced Cost of Labour: Despite
gold mines, operations have been suspended
Availability of Raw Materials
that the infrastructure in Swaziland is nearly
due to mining protocols and regulations awaiting
Cotton: The revitalised cotton industry has
world class, costs are comparable to those of
review by the appropriate mining regulations
the potential to become increasingly export-
developing countries.
body.
Best of eSwatini
In some mining products, however, exploration has resumed and the industry seems to be heading for stellar growth. The host of minerals in the country includes: asbestos, coal, quarried stone, soapstone, kaolin, talc, silica, green chert and others. Such wealth illustrates the potential of mining in Swaziland. It is hoped that development in the mining sector will have a trickle-down effect on the whole Swazi economy.
Best of eSwatini
149
TOURISM
such as the Reed Dance in August/September
conducts market research to plan and create
Swaziland’s tourism industry remains one of the
and the Incwala in December.
awareness of tourism nationally.
of income. The country’s stability and low crime
Traditional ceremonies are an integral part of
Investment Opportunities
rate compare well with neighbouring countries
Swazi life, despite the advent of modernisation.
• Development of a state-of-the-art government
South
fastest growing industries and a large generator
Africa
and
Mozambique.
Unique
attractions and close proximity to the world-
The Swaziland Tourism Authority
famous Kruger National Park make Swaziland a
The Swaziland Tourism Authority (STA) is a
popular place to visit.
parastatal that was formed under the Tourism Authority Act with the objective of stimulating
150
owned ICC; • Development of a golf estate, casino and supporting facilities; • A holiday housing estate to cater for (mainly foreign) holidaymakers.
Swaziland offers many diverse and unique
and expanding the industry through various
attractions that appeal to a wide cross-
programmes. The STA has made significant
section of tourists. Among Swaziland’s unique
contributions to the development of tourism in
Source: Swaziland Investment Promotion
attractions are colourful cultural ceremonies
the country. Among its other activities, the STA
Authority (SIPA)
Best of eSwatini
Best of eSwatini
151
The Southern African Customs Union (SACU) The Southern African Customs Union (SACU) is the oldest customs union in the world, having been established in 1910 between the then Union of South Africa (current Republic of South Africa) and the then British High Commission Territories of Basutoland (now the Kingdom of Lesotho), Bechuanaland (now the Republic of Botswana) and the Kingdom of Swaziland (now the Kingdom of Eswatini). South-West Africa (the Republic of Namibia) – then a colony of South Africa – was a de facto member of SACU at the time.
From left to right: Hon. Dr Rob Davies, Minister of Trade and Industry of South Africa, Hon. Calle Schlettwein, Minister of Finance of Namibia, H.E William Max Philemon Whitehead, High Commissioner of South Africa to Namibia, Hon. Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Botswana, Ms. Paulina M. Elago, Executive Secretary of SACU, Hon. Kenneth O. Matambo, Minister of Finance and Economic Development of Botswana, Hon. Jabulani Mabuza, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry of Swaziland and Hon. Mondli Gungubele, Deputy Minister of Finance of South Africa at the 34th SACU Council Meeting held on 13 April 2018 in Windhoek, Namibia. 152
Best of eSwatini
The political changes following the independence of Botswana, Swaziland and Lesotho (BLS) in the 1960s necessitated a re-negotiation of the 1910 Agreement. This culminated in the conclusion of the Agreement between the BLS and South Africa in 1969. Further political and economic dispensations in the early 1990s, including Namibia’s independence in 1990, and the end of apartheid in South Africa in 1994; warranted a complete re-negotiation of the 1969 Agreement. The renegotiations culminated in a new Agreement in 2002, which sets out a broad framework for enhanced integration amongst the SACU Member States.
SACU Agreement, 2002 The SACU Agreement, 2002, ushered in clear mandates, objectives, transparent and democratic institutions and collective decision-making by the Member States. The following are the salient features of the SACU Agreement, 2002: • free movement of goods between Member States; • common external tariff on imports from third parties; • sharing of revenue from customs and excise duties; and • harmonised customs and excise policies.
SACU VISION AND MISSION SACU’s Vision is to be ‘an economic community with equitable and sustainable development, dedicated to the welfare of its people for a common future’. King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Swaziland together with Ms. Paulina M. Elago, the Executive Secretary of SACU, during his visit at the SACU Secretariat on 11 May 2017 in Windhoek, Namibia.
Consistent with this Vision, SACU’s Mission is to: • develop effective, transparent and democratic institutions and processes; • serve as an engine for regional integration and development, industrial and economic diversification, the expansion of intra-regional trade and investment, global competitiveness; • building economic policy coherence, harmonisation and convergence to meet the development needs of the region; • promote sustainable economic growth and development for employment creation and poverty reduction; • serve as a building block of an ever-closer community among the peoples of Southern Africa; and • develop common policies and strategies for areas such as trade facilitation, effective customs controls and competition.
Priority Areas: SACU’s Work Programme is underpinned by the following priorities: • regional industrial development policy; • review of the revenue sharing arrangement; • trade facilitation; • development of SACU Institutions; • unified engagement in trade negotiations; and • trade in Services. SACU is currently implementing a Ministerial Work Programme, which was approved by the Council in June 2016 following an introspection by the Member States. The key activities and focus areas of the Work Programme are as follows: a. review and development of a suitable architecture on tariff-setting and application of tariffs, rebates, refunds or duty drawbacks and trade remedies; b. strengthening existing cooperation and collaboration on Trade Facilitation to improve border efficiencies; c. review of the Revenue Sharing Formula, long-term management of the Common Revenue Pool; d. establishment of a Stabilisation Fund and a financing mechanism for regional industrialisation. Work will be undertaken to identify financing options for the regional projects; and e. development of public policy interventions to promote industrial development and value chains.
Best of eSwatini
153
Two Ministerial Task Teams on Finance and
SACU IN FIGURES
Trade have been established to implement the programme within a period of 24 months. The
Table 1: Member States Population Estimates in descending order
Task Teams are supported by the Task Teams
2012
of Senior Finance and Trade Officials. Thus far,
2013
2014
2015
2016
with the exception of trade facilitation, Member
SACU
59,534,901
60,417,841
61,329,388
62,270,097
63,240,704
States have undertaken national consultations
South Africa
52,325,443
53,104,386
53,912,366
54,750,491
55,619,940
and have submitted position papers in the
Namibia
2,155,440
2,196,086
2,237,894
2,280,716
2,324,388
above-mentioned
Botswana
2,070,984
2,114,890
2,156,366
2,195,134
2,230,905
Task Teams and the Council of Ministers are
Lesotho
1,902,707
1,909,321
1,916,573
1,924,381
1,932,814
scheduled to meet in June 2018 and present a
Eswatini
1,080,337
1,093,158
1,106,189
1,119,375
1,132,657
areas.
The
Ministerial
progress report to the 6th Summit scheduled for
Source: Member States Statistical Offices
29th June 2018 in Gaborone, Botswana.
Table 2: SACU Nominal GDP and GDP growth rates
INSTITUTIONS OF SACU SACU
operates
through
the
GDP at current market prices (R billion)
following
2012
institutions: Botswana
2013
2014
2015
2016
121
1434
177
183
230
Government, which provides strategic and
Eswatini
40
44
48
51
55
political direction to SACU;
Lesotho
22
24
28
32
34
• The
Summit
of
Heads
of
State
and
• The Council of Ministers, which is composed
Namibia
107
123
139
150
166
of Ministers responsible for Finance, and
South Africa
3,263
3,540
3,805
4,051
4,350
Trade and Industry in the Member States. The
SACU
3,552
3,875
4,196
4,469
4,835
Council is responsible for the overall policy
GDP growth rates (%)
direction and functioning of SACU;
2012
• The Customs Union Commission, which
2013
2014
2015
2016
Botswana
4.5
11.3
4.1
-1.7
4.3
Eswatini
4.3
6.4
1.9
0.4
1.4
Lesotho
6.0
1.8
3.1
2.5
2.4
Namibia
5.1
5.6
6.4
6.1
0.7
responsible for the implementation of the
South Africa
2.2
2.5
1.7
1.3
0.6
SACU Agreement and overseeing the work of
SACU Weighted Avg
2.4
2.9
2.1
1.3
0.7
comprises Permanent/Principal Secretaries or Directors General from the Ministries of Finance and Trade and Industry of each Member State. The Commission is
the Secretariat; • Technical
Liaison
Source: Member States Statistical Office and Central Banks, IMF; *Projection
Committees
(TLCs),
covering Agriculture; Customs; Trade and
Chart 1: GDP growth rates (%)
Industry; Transport; and Finance sectors. The TLCs support the Commission in its work; • The Secretariat, which is responsible for the day-today operations of SACU and coordination of SACU activities. It is based in Windhoek, Namibia; • The Tariff Board, which is mandated to make recommendations to the Council, on the level and changes of tariffs, rebates and trade remedies in SACU. The Tariff Board is yet to be operationalised; and • The ad-hoc Tribunal, which is tasked with adjudicating
any
dispute
regarding
the
interpretation or application of the SACU Agreement. The Tribunal is yet to be
Source: Member States Statistical Offices
operationalised.
Decision-making and Chairing of SACU institutions
As a customs union, SACU Member States
REVENUE SHARING ARRANGEMENT
must apply a Common External Tariff (CET)
Articles 32 to 37 of the SACU Agreement, 2002
on imports into the Common Customs Area.
make provisions for the Common Revenue
The chairing of institutions of SACU is for a
In the absence of a Tariff Board and as an
Pool (CRP) which consist of all customs, excise
term of 12 months, on a rotational basis and in
interim measure, the Council has delegated the
and additional duties collected in SACU, the
alphabetical order. The change takes effect on
responsibility for tariff and rebate determination
management of CRP and a formula to determine
15 July annually. The current Chair (July 2017 -
to
the respective shares of the pool which would
July 2018) is the Republic of Botswana.
Commission of South Africa.
Decisions of the institutions of SACU are made by consensus, except for the Tribunal.
154
Best of eSwatini
COMMON EXTERNAL TARIFF
the
International
Trade
Administration
accrue to each Member State. It also sets aside
Table 3: Imports from the Rest of the World (R billion) 2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
World
152,131
182,249
205,589
211,262
235,405
SACU
1,011
1,191
1,325
1,313
1,324
Botswana
67
84
107
91
89
Eswatini
16
18
18
19
20
Lesotho
13
17
18
20
19*
Namibia
60
74
98
95
97
855
998
1,083
1,088
1,099
South Africa
Source: SACU Statistical database, Trade Map; *mirror data
the process of determination of these revenue shares. As an interim measure, South Africa
Table 4: Exports to the Rest of the World (R billion) 2012
2013
2014
2015
services as the manager of the CRP.
2016
World
150,972
182,043
205,377
209,390
232,473
SACU
932
1,087
1,177
1,202
1,309
• the Customs component is allocated on the
Botswana
49
75
90
79
109
basis of each country’s share of intra-SACU
Eswatini
14
19
21
23
24
Lesotho
6
9
9
8
14*
• the Excise component which constitute 85%
Namibia
45
56
68
57
64
of the excise revenue, is distributed on the
817
929
988
1,036
1,096
basis of each country’s share of total SACU
South Africa
Source: SACU Statistical database, Trade Map; *mirror data
SACU
2012
2013
imports;
GDP; and • the Development component which is fixed at 15% of the total excise pool and distributed to
Table 5: Intra-SACU trade (R billion) Imports
The RSF has three components:
all SACU members according to the inverse 2014
2015
2016
of each country’s GDP/capita.
138
160
187
188
194
Botswana
46
57
72
65
67
Eswatini
14
16
16
15
17
Lesotho
14
14
14
15
17*
Namibia
43
48
58
64
62
South Africa
20
25
27
29
32
SACU’S RELATIONS WITH THIRD PARTIES
134
170
188
200
210
As a Customs Union, SACU Member States
7
20
20
21
27
have pursued a unified approach to negotiations
Eswatini
10
12
13
16
17
Lesotho
2
2
2
2
4*
Namibia
11
21
21
24
21
104
114
132
136
140
Exports SACU Botswana
South Africa
Source: SACU Statistical database; *mirror data
The revenue shares are determined annually and approved by the Council. Thereafter, payments are disbursed to Member States on a quarterly basis.
with third parties. Since 2002, SACU has concluded several Trade Agreements with some of its key trading partners. These include the following: • preferential MERCOSUR
Trade
Agreement
with
States
(Argentina,
Brazil
Paraguay and Uruguay), in 2009;
Chart 2: Annual inflation rates (%)
• trade,
Investment
and
Development
Cooperation Agreement with the United States of America in 2008; • free Trade Agreement with the European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) in 2006; and • economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union as part of the SADC EPA Group in 2016.
Source: SACU Statistical database
www.sacu.int
Best of eSwatini
155
CHAPTER 7
education
Royal Science and Technology Park We spread the wings, You take the initiative.
Vision By
2022
Swaziland
will
be
renowned
internationally for her swiftness in exploring science, technology and innovation as means to increase the country’s economic growth and increase capacity by developing a knowledge – based economy and infrastructure. Thus substantially alleviating poverty.
The Country and Beyond The Kingdom of Swaziland is ideally situated in a beautiful landlocked region of Southern Africa bordered by South Africa to the North, South and West and Mozambique to the East. Its abundant resources and well developed infrastructure combined with the government’s initiative to provide easy and efficient access to its market place creates a uniquely safe haven for investment and a centre of excellence for developing business activity. Regional cooperation is the powerful tool which enables Swaziland to bravely embrace the challenges and opportunities of the globalising
The Kingdom is well known for its rich diversity
economy. A Member State of the Southern
of plants and animal life and harboring large
African Development Community (SADC), and
stocks of precious life species; thereby offering
Common Market for Eastern and Southern
greater potential for greater success in areas of
Africa (COMESA), Swaziland is not only a
research.
gateway to the vibrant surrounding region, but also a superior, cost-competitive investment
With
location to launch your product/technology to
Swaziland firmly in place, the processing of
the region and the outside world.
natural resources integrated with science and
mature
agricultural
development
in
technology adds an exciting new dimension to
158
A New Journey to a New Discovery
the world of investment opportunity.
The investment policy of Swaziland is deeply
The Swaziland Biotechnology Park opens the
rooted in facilitating the dynamic climate
door to all of its rewards and benefits, and sets
of industrial investment and caters to the
the stage for lifting your business to new heights
pioneering
hi-tech
— right here, right now — in a highly advanced
discoveries, especially the emergence of the
and advantageous working environment, with
biotechnology sector.
world class technology.
development
Best of eSwatini
of
new
Biotechnology Park P.o. Box 2316, Matsapha Swaziland Tel: +268 25186386 Email: info@Rstp.org.sz www.rstp.org.sz
The Board of Directors,
Management & Staff of the
Royal Science & Technology Park
wish his Majesty King Mswati III, her
Majesty the Queen Mother & the Swazi
nation a very happy 50th Independance Day & his Majesty’s 50th Birthday!
Lunwele Loludze Mbangazitha!
www.rstp.org.sz We spread the wings, You take the Initiative
+268-2517 9448 +268-2517 9448
P.O.Box Box2316 2316 Matsapha P.O. Matsapha
RoyalScience Science Technology Royal andand Technology Park Park
160
Best of eSwatini
Africa's traditional monarch of vision and leadership
His Majesty King Mswati III is the only post independence monarch who has led Swaziland for 32 years. He ascended the throne at the age of 18 in 1986, four years after the demise of his father King Sobhuza II who died in 1982 after a long reign that began in 1921.
162
Best of eSwatini
CHAPTER 8
CORPORATE PROFILES AND CSR
Swaziland National Provident Fund (SNPF) Foreword and Introduction from SNPF Chief Executive Officer; Prince Lonkhokhela
King Sobhuza named the Fund Lidlelantfongeni which loosely means saving for the future. The Lidlelantfongeni symbolizes provisions, ‘ingcamu’, or a package for workers to take home when leaving employment or on their journey to retirement.
Role played by SNPF in improving the economy of Swaziland The Fund has contributed immensely in improving the economy of Swaziland through
Brief Background of SNPF and the rationale behind its establishment
The King held numerous successful dialogues
venturing on sustainable investments aligned to
with the workers’ representatives and through
the King’s vision of transforming Swaziland from
The Swaziland National Provident Fund was
his visionary leadership contributions, the
a developing country to a First World country.
established in 1974 as a retirement savings
workers felt that they understood the concept
scheme, the main purpose of which is to
and purpose of the SNPF by April 1976. On the
In 1985, the Fund invested E10 million to build
provide benefit for the employed persons when
6th of May 1976, His Majesty directed the Fund
the Dlanubeka House, which is still one of the
they retire from regular employment in old age
to commence.
largest office complexes in Mbabane. Two years later, in 1987, the Provident Fund invested E7
or in the event of being incapacitated. On 31st August 1974 His Majesty King Sobhuza II signed
The King was passionate about this Fund
million and built the Liqhaga Office block in
the King’s Order in Council No.23 which set up
hence his hands on approach to the negotiation
Manzini. In 1989, the Provident Fund invested
SNPF. It is with fond memories we cherish the
process as his strategy to minimize the risks, any
approximately E5 million on 27 executive
day he delivered a speech on the formation of
disputes or failures. His Majesty King Sobhuza
houses in extension 6, Manzini, and a further 33
the Fund at Lozitha on 2nd October 1975.
II issued a directive that the Head Office of
executive house at E12 million in Manzini.
the Fund should be built in Manzini, as it
166
Lidlelantfongeni aligns itself with the country’s
is centrally located and accessible to all
In 1990, 126 apartment units called Liqhaga
investment policy that at least 50% of their value
stakeholders. We now have branches in all four
flats were constructed in Manzini, an investment
are invested back into the country to improve its
administrative regions of the beautiful Kingdom
of over E11 million, in response to the housing
economy and the livelihood of eMaswati.
of eSwatini.
shortage between Manzini and Matsapha. In
Best of eSwatini
1990 again, the Fund constructed houses in Nhlangano to address housing shortage there at a cost of over E1 million. Among other projects, the Fund invested millions for the construction of Bhunu Mall in Manzini. It is through such initiatives that the Fund was given the entrepreneur of the Year Award in 1996. Recently, in the year 2015, the organisation invested in the country’s infrastructure through the opening of Sivuno House in Manzini. When officially opening this structure, His Majesty
We all remember for instance the time when His
living with disabilities as a way of ensuring that
Majesty’s Government declared the drought as
they have a brighter future just like every other
a national disaster, and in an effort to respond to
normal person. We all know that education is at
the national drought crises which was estimated
the heart of His Majesty King Mswati III as seen
King Mswati III commended Lidlelantfongeni
to be affecting more than 200 000 people in the
in his dedication to establish a SADC University
for contributing towards the country’s Vision
country inclusive of those living with disabilities,
of Transformation to be based in the Kingdom.
2022 to becoming a First World status nation
the Fund donated E100 000 towards the
by the construction of such state-of-the art
national disaster.
which is a concept that was envisioned by the
Initiatives in supporting HMK Mandate
Projects the SNPF has worked closely with Ingwenyama and one exciting event you will never forget as SNPF CEO
King, the Fund has assisted a number of schools
Ingwenyama has been highly influential and
in the country, as well as those underprivileged
supportive to the growth of SNPF. His Majesty
The Fund has supported a myriad of national
as part of its corporate social responsibility
always encourages the nation to focus on
initiatives that are at the heart of His Majesty,
programme.
development and job creation and we adhere to
buildings which play a critical role in improving our economy in Swaziland.
Moreover, through the Imbube Marathon –
the King, the objective of which is to make life
his advice through our various projects.
better for all citizens of the Kingdom, the elderly
The Fund has also provided scholarships worth
We are also grateful that whenever we have
in particular.
hundreds of thousands, especially to those
events he honors the invite as he normally wants
Best of eSwatini
167
sometimes build houses for the aged and she has always expressed her gratitude to us for playing a role in improving the quality of life for the elderly. Whenever she shares any words of motivation or gratitude on our projects I report back to the staff so they note that their efforts are appreciated. They both have been very supportive of SNPF and we value that support very highly.
was called to shed light on the delay in its
making. What I can also mention is that we are
implementation. His interest in our operations
honored that even at the Swaziland International
has helped because that funeral policy was
to thousands of workers and it is good to
Trade Fair, Ingwenyama visits our stand and
then effected. He has also requested an update
note that over the years we have not heard of
normally takes time asking questions and
on the issue of the conversion to a pension
any misappropriation of these funds or of any
getting an update on our operations. This is one
fund and that shows just how interested in our
corrupt activities, which makes the organisation
of the reasons we always have our Executive
operations he is.
a prime example of good corporate and financial
Lidlelantfongeni is handling money that belongs
governance.
Committee of Managers available at the stand,
168
Future prospects for the SNPF
to see for himself the level of progression we are
as they are able to brief him on any aspect he
This is the same for Her Majesty Indlovukazi.
may ask.
She is passionate about issues of the elderly
We have a corporate strategy of 2015 to
and whenever we have projects that supports
2020. Key in this strategy is the conversion
On one occasion he inquired about the progress
the objectives of what Philani Maswati stands
to a pension fund. We would also like as we
of funeral cover and immediately the minister
for, she gets feedback on it. For example we
continue to grow to also have good packages
Best of eSwatini
other countries with less numbers of population having three mobile service operators, so we can explore that as well. In short there is quite a number of initiatives we are working on which will create a number of employment opportunities, thus reducing poverty in the Kingdom.
Speaking from the heart, message to HMK on his 50th birthday and to the nation in celebrating 50 years of independence. I extend my warmest congratulations to His Majesty and the Kingdom of eSwatini in celebrating 50 years of peace, stability and development. We are excited to have a visionary leader like His Majesty King Mswati III who wants to see the nation reaching greater heights by the year 2022. We pray that God grants him more wisdom and determination as he leads the country forward. As SNPF, we are committed in supporting his vision as it is for the good of the country and Africa at large. Happy Birthday Your Majesty. Khula Mlisa, Khula Ntsandzane yema Swati. Bayethe Wena Phakathi!
for domestic workers and other laborers we
projects in property that we will undertake and
have not reached out to.
we are also looking at some other innovative investment options such as venturing into
Additionally we are looking at improving the
telecommunications.
funeral cover, such that if someone wants to contribute to it for an even bigger payout they
In telecommunications that company would
can have that option. We have other investment
be supported by the members, we have seen
Tel: +268 2508 2006 www.snpf.co.sz
Best of eSwatini
169
Swaziland Water Services Corporation (swsc) The Swaziland Water Services Corporation (SWSC) is a body duly established under the Water Services Corporation Act, No. 12 of 1992. SWSC is a category ‘A’ Public Enterprise in terms of the Public Enterprise (Control and Monitoring) Act No.8 of 1989 and therefore it is wholly owned by Government.
SWSC KEY MOMENTS 1992 Water Services Corporation Act, No. 12 of 1992 establishes the Swaziland Water Services Corporation to convert from Water and Sewerage Board. 1993 Minister of Housing and Urban Development John Carmichael appoints the first Board of Directors led by Mr Samuel Earnshaw. 1994 SWSC
gained
full
autonomy
through
corporatisation
in
August 1, 1994. 1995 Mr Peter Bhembe is appointed Chief Executive Officer of SWSC. 1996 SWSC posts its first profits of E1,4 milion a major step towards being less reliant on government subventions. 1997 A Performance contract is effected to look at developments and performance of the new entity subject to annual reviews. 1998 SWSC develops its first Corporate Plan whose highlights include planning for growth, efficiency initiatives as well as product and service quality. 1999 SWSC starts becoming self-sustainable and it receives its last
Although the history of a water services department in the country dates back to 1974 when a government entity known as the Swaziland Water and Sewerage Board (SWSB) was established, the key turning point
subvention from Government of E1.7 million. 2000 SWSC posts operating profits of E5.9 million, which is a double increase from previous years.
was in 1994 when it was decided that to improve service provision there
2001 New Board of Directors led by Mr Esau Zwane takes over from
was need to corporatize the Board, this resulted in the formation of the
Mr Samuel Earnshaw and pays tribute to their role in developing
Corporation (SWSC).
SWSC. 2002 SWSC faces a challenging year due to a national disaster, drought
At the time of transition, the then SWSB was just a department of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MHUD). On establishment SWSC continued to fall under MHUD until after the successful implementation of the World Bank funded Urban Development Project (UDP). Years thereafter SWSC was transferred to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, the line ministry it reports to to-date.
170
Best of eSwatini
affecting mainly Eastern region. This increases pumping costs and tankered water services to alleviate the affected areas. 2003 SWSC increases its investments in infrastructure through capital projects to increase water and sanitation access. 2004 The Corporation marks 10 years of existence and water connections rise to the 26 000 mark.
2005 New Headquarters Emtfonjeni Building is officially opened in May by His Majesty King Mswati III. 2006 New Customer Toll Free Line 800 5000 becomes fully operational. 2008 SWSC wins International Award for Excellence and Business Prestige in New York obtaining Gold. 2009 SWSC extends its product line by venturing into bottled water and launches Eco water. 2010 The Corporation posts healthy double digit profits E12.3m from E9.6m the previous year. 2011 Mr Themba Maseko is appointed Board Chairman in January 2011 taking over from Mr Esau Zwane. 2012 SWSC is officially accredited by the South African National Accreditation Systems (SANAS) for its Mbabane Laboratory in March 2012. 2013 SWSC announces an over E100 million upgrade of water and sanitation infrastructure for fast developing tourism hub Ezulwini. 2014 On August 1, 2014, SWSC officially turns 20 years, and celebrates customer growth from 26,000 in 1994 to 42,900 in 2014. 2015 Launching of SISOMA water projects PM, Official opening of Nhlangano water treatment plant (Masibini) 2016 State of the art wellness center is opened at Headquarters fostering a healthy workforce. 2017 His Majesty King Mswati 111 officially opens the E225M SISOMA water project benefiting 61,000 people in Siphofaneni, Somntongo and Matsanjeni. 2017 His Majesty the King officially opens the state of the art Nhlangano regional offices, the first building in the region with an elevator. 2018 The Board of Directors, management and Staff of Swaziland Water Services Corporation join His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen Mother and the entire Swaziland Nation to celebrate 50
Bayethe wena waphakathi!! www.swsc.co.sz
years of peace, stability and development.
Best of eSwatini
171
Swaziland Railway Swaziland Railway is a parastatal organisation that provides transport services for import and export commodities as well as transit cargo. It is rated one of the best railways in the SADC region in terms of transit time, reliability and predictability. Linking Swaziland’s main industrial centres with the railway systems of South Africa, Mozambique and other SADC countries that trade with overseas markets. This railway owns and maintains the infrastructure, rolling stock and operates a 301km rail network.
Tag/Punch Line (Motto) Efficiency Re-defined
Vision Statement To lead in providing total quality rail transport and logistics solutions in the region and beyond
Mission Statement Our mission is to provide transportation services to the local and international markets
Through: • Delivering a service that is responsive to current and future customer needs, • Fostering and influencing mutually beneficial stakeholder relationships, • Ensuring high standards of safety, quality, environmental and risk management practices and; • Enhancing shareholder confidence and value through self-sustenance
172
Best of eSwatini
Congratulations your majesty
The Board, Management and Staff of Swaziland Railway take this opportunity to congratulate His Majesty the King, The Indlovukazi and the whole Swazi Nation on this historic milestone of the 50th Anniversary since the country gained its independence. As a government owned enterprise we also celebrated SR’s 50th anniversary in 2014 as a prelude to this bigger national celebration that we are happy to be part of at this moment. We wish the Kingdom of Swaziland a successful future and hopefully we will be part of this bright future and continue to uplift the economy of the country. Bayethe Wena Waphakathi
Tel: +268 2411 7400 Website www.swazirail.co.sz
Best of eSwatini
173
“Our primary goal is to help rural communities across the globe improve their access to water through the distribution of Hippo Rollers
Swaziland, soon to be known as “eSwatini” (meaning “place of the Swazi”), like many countries throughout the world and particularly in Africa, faces increasing water stress. It is a landlocked country, where access to water mainly comes through access to ground water with 3,000 boreholes having been drilled in the country since 1986.
internationally,” says Grant Gibbs, executive director of Hippo Roller.
Keep on rolling The Hippo Roller is essentially a water transportation drum, which gives people the ability to transport five times as much water as a regular sized (20 litre) bucket, by simply rolling it on the ground. It is made from UV stabilised linear low-density polyethylene and designed to cope with the rough conditions typically found
It is in this context, that Hippo Roller’s true utility becomes apparent.
in rural areas.
Our most precious resource Time is our most precious resource. By addressing the difficulty of retrieving water, the
174
Best of eSwatini
The WASH Ntontozi Phase 2 project in the Mpini Chiefdom (Swaziland) is a project implemented by boMake Rural Projects (formerly Gone Rural boMake) and funded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. A few of the community beneficiaries had this to say about the impact that Hippo Rollers had made on their lives. “The Hippo Rollers are really helpful to us. I am able to carry a large amount of water at one time, as the Hippo Rollers carry 90 litres. I used to fetch water using a wheelbarrow and it Hippo Rollers in Mangundze (Carlos Morgado Foundation).
was challenging as it requires a lot of energy. I used to fetch water twice a day but now I fetch it once.” Mrs. Xolile Dlamini, a mother of two daughters age four and two, from Mpini.
Hippo Rollers being distributed to communities Hippo Roller simply buys more time! And this in turn
challenges. We believe that there is massive scope for
Mrs Xolile Dlamini, with her daughter
can be put to more productive use for education, social
micro-financing services to include the Hippo Roller as
Sinethamba, on the way to fetch water.
development and local entrepreneurship.
a “Product with Purpose” and to broaden the business
The impact of appropriate solutions
model of Hippo Roller to make it less dependent on
“I now enjoy fetching water from the boreholes
conventional fund-raising and donor generosity.”
using the Hippo Roller. I no longer have to carry
The Hippo Roller is instantly understood and accepted
the heavy bucket on my head. It was strenuous
as a far better option for retrieving water, requiring very
It was just last year that Hippo Roller was the recipient
as my homestead is situated uphill and I would
little explanation or demonstration. Recipients begin to
of the Frost & Sullivan “2016 African Rural Portable
reach home tired.
enjoy the benefits immediately.
Water Solutions Product Leadership Award”, which summarised its own view of our future, like this:
We are five in the family so and we use almost
“The impact of the Hippo Roller has been profound.
90 litres a day. Before we got the Hippo Rollers,
Women, children and the elderly are able to transport 90
“Since the establishment of the Hippo Water Roller
I had to fetch water at least three times a day
litres (90kg) [24 gallons, 200 pounds] of water easily, to
Project in 1994, the company has continued to provide
using a 20-litre bucket.”
provide enough for a family of five people for a day, with
an appropriate portable water solution for economically
a single trip,” says Gibbs.
poor
communities
across
Africa.
Leveraging
its
Ms. Dlamini Jabu (21 years old), Mpini.
relationships with sponsors, corporate partners, and
Sustainability
NGOs, the Hippo Water Roller Project has established
Specifically designed to last many years, the Hippo
itself as a sustainable initiative that provides African
Roller’s lasts 5 to 7 years, often longer. Once it can no
communities with an immediate and winning water and
longer perform its intended function, it is almost always
sanitation solution.”
used for other purposes, rather than being discarded, including being used as storage bins, flower pots,
Says Gibbs, “One thing we do know is that the problem
feeding troughs for animals and even baths for children.
of water security is not going away!”
Improvements and innovations
Partners and projects
Hippo Roller has introduced some minor improvements
Many current community development initiatives around
and added a few optional extras since its original design
the world, with a completely different focus from water,
such as the “Utility/Irrigation Cap” and the “Hippo
can be more effective in the communities they serve just
Spaza” for the more entrepreneurial informal traders,
by improving access to water. Even NGOs who install
primarily amongst small-scale farmers.
wells and boreholes could serve a wider territory by including Hippo Rollers from the same borehole. Water
Future plans?
is something that most of us just don’t think about. But
“Our primary focus is on partnering appropriately with
for millions, it’s all they think about, every single day.
major corporates, NGOs and Government bodies actively targeting sustainable solutions to water access
Jabu Dlamini, from Mpini, returning from fetching water.
Tel: +27 8294HIPPO (+27 82 9444776) +27 72 720 6695 Email: support@hipporoller.org irene.peterkin@hipporoller.org www.hipporoller.org
The Hippo Roller simply works.
Best of eSwatini
175
CHAPTER 9
financial services
The Swaziland Development Finance Corporation (FINCORP) Helping Swazi citizens to help themselves – 22 years of loyal service.
Introduction The
Swaziland
Development
Finance
Corporation (FINCORP), was launched by His Majesty King Mswati III in November 1995 with the main objective of providing access to credit for entrepreneurs at grassroots level with a view of financing productive sectors of the economy and drive wealth creation for the Swazi Citizens. FINCORP was initially known as Enterprise Trust Fund (ETF) strictly offering wholesale finance, but later in year 2003 transformed into a financial services corporation offering direct retail lending to Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) at Individual; Company; Association; and Co-operative level. The main focus of the organisation being job creation and poverty alleviation. FINCORP is a registered corporation with two shareholders namely the Swaziland Government and Tibiyo TakaNgwane holding 80% and 20% respectively. The objectives of FINCORP as enshrined on Legal Notice No: 16 of 1996 issued under the Finance & Audit Act No: 18 of 1967 are: • To finance and promote the development of Swazi-owned Enterprises; • To support the expansion of loan financing to Swazi Entrepreneurs; • To support the provision of business advisory services,
training,
monitoring,
technical
transfers and development of other products and services for Swazi Entrepreneurs; • To
facilitate
access
to
institutional
development services and increase the long-term sustainability of Swazi owned enterprises. The organisation then first opened its doors to the public in April 1996 as a wholesale institution providing access to credit through intermediary
178
Best of eSwatini
organisations. The financial intermediaries took
a priority to the organisation; as such a great
the form of legally registered Cooperatives;
investment has over the years been made in
Associations and Trusts.
staff development.
Down the line in 2003, informed by inherent
Product Offering
constraints associated with the peer group
FINCORP offers multiple financial products
lending
organisation
which include credit, leasing facilities, trade
transformed to direct retail lending methodology
finance, general purpose finance and insurance
but retained a group lending window for those
services. Decent repayment rates have been
associations.
maintained over the years whilst the portfolio at
methodology
the
risk has been kept within acceptable levels.
Achievements over the years FINCORP has achieved considerable success
In January 2010 FINCORP expanded its scope
in reaching out to large numbers of SMEs,
by forming a new subsidiary company known
whilst at the same time maintaining institutional
as FIRST FINANCE COMPANY (FIRST); which
and financial sustainability. The organisation
is an authorised financial services provider.
has grown to become one of the leading
FIRST
Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) in the
Loans to salaried employees of the civil
region and was in 2009 ranked as one of the
service, parastatals and other selected private
top five best performing DFIs in Africa by the
organisations. Beyond just offering credit,
Association of African Development Finance
FIRST FINANCE also offers financial planning
Institutions (ADDFI). The institution has since
and debt counselling to its borrowers and the
inception provided cumulative financial and
main motivation behind this initiative being
non-financial support valued at more than E5.2
to practice responsible and credible lending
billion to more than 80,000 clients and currently
to loan beneficiaries guarding against over
sustains 15,100 jobs through FINCORP funded
indebtedness. Types of funding offered include
projects.
short term loans, education loans, medical
FINANCE
offers
General
Purpose
loans, home improvements, rural housing and In recent years FINCORP’s workforce has
debt consolidation facilities. The company
doubled to reach 101 employees in line with the
is wholly owned by Swaziland Development
growth of the group through the establishment
Finance Corporation (FINCORP).
of a rural branch network and of course the formation of two subsidiary companies.
Again in an effort to diversify the income
FINCORP’s credit department continues to
FINCORP established a second subsidiary
be at the centre of the organisation’s service
company venturing into the insurance sector.
delivery mechanism. Other ancillary support
The subsidiary is called FINSURE INSURANCE
departments include Finance, Legal, Audit,
BROKERS and offers access to short term
Marketing,
insurance and life insurance products.
streams for the Group; in January 2015,
Human
Resources,
Information
Technology and others. FINCORP has always ensured that their pool of employees comprises
Customer Relationship
of qualified and capable employees. Staff
From inception FINCORP has treated clients in
development and capacity building remain
high regard and this manifests itself in the large
Best of eSwatini
179
number of repeat borrowers and those that have grown their businesses over the years are still working with the organisation. This prompted the introduction of new products aimed at meeting the diverse nature and needs of the clients, with FINCORP’s client base having grown tremendously over the years. The main value proposition being how clients are nurtured, monitored and mentored as part of the organisation’s loan tracking system. A satisfied client will always come back; as a result FINCORP has clients that date back to the late 90’s. Most of these started off small and have grown their business operations through and with the help of FINCORP. Others have diversified to other businesses and continue to benefit from the vast array of loan products offered.
Key Challenges The demand for FINCORP’s services continues to far exceed the available capital resource base
medium enterprises to expand and sustain their
years. The developmental and economic impact
prompting increased external borrowing against
businesses.
is evidenced by the total annual contribution of Growth Domestic Product (GDP) of E1.4 Billion
the backdrop of increased cost of capital.
180
Attraction of foreign currency denominated debt
Conclusion
generated by loan beneficiaries under FINCORP.
has presented its fair share of challenges to the
In the final analysis, the key objectives of
FINCORP continues to uphold its initial highest
organisation considering the global forex market
providing access to credit; job creation;
aspiration, which is, “To be recognised and
volatility. The single digit low domestic economic
contributing to economic growth and alleviating
acknowledged by our stakeholders nationally
growth has limited opportunities for small and
poverty have been fairly achieved over the
and internationally as the foremost business
Best of eSwatini
development
institution
providing
financial
services in the country.” FINCORP also continues to be guided by its statement of purpose, which is, “To economically empower Swazi Entrepreneurs through the provision of accessible and sustainable financial services.” Delivering the key mandate of “Helping Swazi Ctizens To Help Themselves” as commissioned by His Majesty King Mswati III the Ingwenyama of Swaziland in November 1995, is not only gratifying but remains the main driver for the organisation to reach even greater heights by changing the livelihoods of our people. We therefore join the entire nation in celebrating the fifty years of independence coupled by the unending peace and prosperity for the people – “First world status is possible!”
7th Floor Dhlanubeka Bld, Cnr of Mdada & Lalufadlana Streets, Mbabane, Kingdom of Swaziland Tel: +268 24049436/9272/7801 Email: sdfc@fincorp.co.sz www.fincorp.co.sz
Best of eSwatini
181
Celebrating swaziland
and moving forward which replaced Matsapha International Airport as the only international airport accepting commercial flights in 2014 is yet another example. The Royal Science and Technology Park, an initiative by His Majesty King Mswati III developed as a public enterprise that will foster an environment that inspires and drives scientific and technological research and development ideas and activities. The Lubovana dam, which is an addition to mitigate the rising water demands both industrially and domestically also adds to the list. The Royal Villas, a prestigious hotel offering a 5 star service in the tranquil Ezuwini Valley and the birth of Mobile Telecommunication Networks, September 1998 marked the dawn of a new era of communication in the country as the entire Swazi nation took its first strides towards the digital era. Our advancements as a bank are not too remote from that of our beloved country. Having been rated amongst the highest performing bank during the 2015/2016 survey that was conducted on all banks, we constantly strive to venture on to the next phase, the next step through making progress real. We offer a myriad of products and services that are tailored for a nation steeped in culture while having fully embraced the 21st century. Our Commercial banking division offers products and services that are created to meet the demands of a fast pace world, thus enabling our customers the ability to compete with an added edge. Our staff, equipped with the knowledge of problem solving as and when it is needed. SME banking, recently reinvented, is a one-stop-shop for our SME customers whose vision is to grow exponentially through carefully crafted financial solutions. With the understanding that business never sleeps, we have introduced products such as the Bulk Note Acceptor (a cash deposit machine) tailored to offer cash deposit solutions throughout the day, every day. Right from the time Standard Bank first opened doors to the public, our main driving force in the way in which we render our services is – ‘’customer is king’’, our customers’ needs and demands are what motivates us to strive towards perfection. Swaziland and her people have been and still are a growing nation and Standard Bank has been privileged at the opportunity to grow together with this great nation, to be the vehicle with which the nations’ leaders, teachers, youth and entrepreneurs can move forward. Having overcome adversities over the years and maintained its identity as a peaceful and friendly nation, Swaziland is a place we take great pride in calling our home and thus continually strive to drive her growth. With the continuous legacy of sound leadership under His Majesty King Mswati III, we constantly find new favour with every turn. The evolution of the land that we live in has taken on many forms over the years. Be it through architecture, infrastructure, technology or economical changes, Swaziland has maintained a steady yet robust means of improvement that has seen the nation keeping abreast with her international counterparts. This has not been an easy triumph considering that Swaziland has the least amount of natural resources compared to most of her counterparts – thus further cementing her as a modern day “miracle child”. This is a story we take pride in telling as we have had a front row seat in watching many of these Swazi marvels come to fruition. The Maguga dam is one such example, followed by the MR3 a major highway linking Matsapha, Mbabane and Manzini, now popularly known as the Mbabane to Manzini corridor. The Mavuso Trade Center, home to the country’s earmark international event the Swaziland International Trade Fair, is complete with awe-inspiring exhibition pavilions and a state of the art sports centre. The King Mswati III International Airport
182
Best of eSwatini
Our Personal banking division, cleverly segmented to suit our customers’ financial management needs, offers customers the financial services tailored to propel them to their next level. Our digital channel banking platforms, available across the various personal banking segments is the answer to today’s life demands. With Swaziland entering her golden years, we celebrate her spirit of resilience, her tenacity, her cultural pride, her economically savy people and her drive to constantly develop and grow into her fullest potential. We are proud to have called Swaziland our home for the past 44 years and are looking forward to reaching that NEXT together.
Growing together with the nation
in this land Standard Bank Swaziland has called home for 44 years.
www.standardbank.co.sz
CHAPTER 10
PLANTATIONS AND FORESTRY
SWAZILAND PLANTATIONS
186
Best of eSwatini
Plantation Swaziland Plantations was first planted in 1947 where the planted area consisted of a 3200ha Pine Plantation, located in the North Western side of Swaziland in the HhoHho District. The plantation produces about 40 000 m3 of round logs annually, with all material used internally as raw materials to supply the sawmill. Main species planted are Pinus Elliottii, Pinus Taeda and Pinus Elliottii Crabaia
Sawmill Swaziland Plantations sawmill operations consists of a number of different production units. The plant is made up of the main mill; processing around 76 000m3 of round logs annually, with the industrial mill processing 20 000m3 per annum. The other departments consist of a door plant, CCA treating plant and a finger joint plant. These operations are managed by the General Manager, Pierre Prinsloo and his team of highly competent and dedicated staff. The company has employed around 600 people. The mill is set up to process Pine and Eucalyptus, with the ability to kiln dry all material. • Primary Products: Structural, industrial, crating and CCA `Pine timber. Industrial and crating Eucalyptus timber. • Secondary products: Pine wood chips and Chicken and Horse bedding.
Swazi Treated Timber – Treating Plant In 2009 Guy More bought Swazi Treated Timber, a treating plant located near Mbabane from the Crabtree Family. The treating operation consisted of a Creosote and CCA treating plant. Since 2009 both plants have been upgraded to comply with better environmental, safety and production standards. Today the plant produces around 8000m3 of transmission poles and 7500m3 of building and fencing poles annually. Primary Products: Transmission, P&T, Agricultural and structural poles, treated with an option of Creosote or CCA.
Swazi Treated Timber – Sawmill After operating the treating plant for some time, management saw the opportunity to start another Pine Sawmill. A bandsaw mill began cutting wet off saw material, but was upgraded over time to a 50 000n3 structural, certified sawmill and is currently managed by Mr. Ryan Doyle. Primary Products: Structural, Industrial, crating and wet off saw timber.
Best of eSwatini
187
SwaziDrum Guy More joined forces with a then, South African cable drum manufacturer in 2001 and moved the SA manufacturing operation to Swaziland. This move created jobs for more than 100 Swazi people within the Piggs Peak area. SwaziDrum is located close to its raw material source and manufactures cable drums in kit form, the components are then transported to assembly plants located in Port Elizabeth, Vereeniging and Johannesburg. These plants are all BEE Level 2 companies. SwaziDrum Manufacturers, through its assembly plants, supplies blue chip companies such as Aberdare Cables, Mtec and Alcon. Primary Products: Wooden and Plywood cable drums.
Magwegwane The Magwegwane farm was a rundown Eucalyptus farm, bought from the Bothma
188
Best of eSwatini
Family in 2011. The farm is located in the Northern part of the HhoHho District. JP Poupard took on the challenge to rebuild the infrastructure and convert the farm to Pine; and in 2020 the farm will be completely replanted to 1100ha of Pine. The farm will only commence production in 2030.
The Lumber Yard The Lumber Yard depot was established in 2017 to create a department that could service the smaller, more niche customers based in the greater Gauteng Area. Managed by Marius van der Berg, the team works out of the depot in Birch Acres, Johannesburg. Products sold: Structural and Industrial Timber, Plywood and Doors.
For more information on our plants, services or products: Tel: +268 24371 344 www.swaziplant.com
Best of eSwatini
189
PROUDLY AFRICAN BUILDING COMMUNITIES - CONNECTING MINDS
Proudly African is an initiative of GlobalVillage.world which is a AFRICA
www.ProudlyAfrican.info
Volume 5 • 2013 DIPLOMAT AFRICA
OHADA: Celebrating 20 Years In 2013 AFCCA: Connects Intra-African Construction
marketing and business platform geared towards showcasing and harmonising Africa’s development, trade and cultural diversity to a global audience.
BOTSWANA: Beyond Vision 2016 AFRICA WANTS: TRADE not AID
This is where the BEST OF AFRICA in business, government and non-
Volume 5 • 2013 • www.ProudlyAfrican.info
profit organisations unite, promoting their vision and best practice in order to find the right customers, partnerships and joint ventures. PROMOTING ECONOMIC GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH LEADERSHIP, DIPLOMACY AND TRADE
View all books online, more than 4 million readers worldwide 158
Best of Uganda
LEADERSHIP
VOLUME 2
TANZANIA
SHARING KNOWLEDGE, VISION & INSPIRATION
www.ProudlyAfrican.info
BASHI
GAETSALOE
leaders in aviation
LEADERS IN NATURAL RESOURCES ENERGY, MINING & CONSTRUCTION
“THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND TANZANIA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH”
africa
DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY AT THE HELM OF BDC
global village .world Connecting minds - building communities
PROUDLY AFRICAN
Boosting Inter-trade & Cultural Relations across the continent
www.ProudlyAfrican.info
The initiative has an unstoppable magnetic presence with its ever growing country and sectoral window already in over 25 African states. We invite all leaders in business and government across Africa to showcase and integrate their visions and activities so as to promote inter-Africa trade, investment and skills transfer from around the globe.
We are an ever growing tribe of media entrepreneurs, colleagues and friends that publish the “Best of” the World and “Leaders” in Industry series of books both in print and online. In today’s worldwide market, every country, city and region must compete with others for a share of the world’s skilled work force, top entrepreneurs, tourists, exports, and investors. Please join us in promoting your country as we make the Globe our Village. Email: info@globalvillage.world | GVPEDIA COMMUNICATIONS: gia@gvpedia.com
All books now available for download on your iPad with the new VIPedia app.
Participators Index Computer Education Trust (CET)
76
Global Village World
11, 190
GVPedia Communications
11, 190
Headspace 11 Hippo Roller
174
Inhlanyelo Fund King Mswati III International Airport Kirsh Holdings
74, OBC 106 68
Limkokwing University Maize Milling
160 70
NATEX 73 Proudly African
11, 190
Royal Science and Technology Park
158
SawziDrum Manufacturers
186
SPINTEX 73 Standard Bank
182
SWAKI
68, OBC
Swazi Treated Timbers
186
Swaziland Civil Aviation Authority (SWACAA)
106
Swaziland National Provident Fund (SNPF)
166
Swaziland Plantations Group
184
Swaziland Railway
172
Swaziland Water Services Corporation (SWSC)
170
The Kingdom of Swaziland The Kirsh Family Foundation
12, 86, 118 68, OBC
The Lumber Yard
186
The Southern African Customs Union (SACU)
152
The Swaziland Development Finance Corporation (FINCORP)
176
The Swaziland Tourism Authority (STA)
152
194
Best of eSwatini
Best of eSwatini
195