10 Take-Aways from the Speech from the Throne

By Sifiso Sibandze

Following His Majesty, King Mswati III addressing the nation from Parliament, we look at the 10 takeaways from the speech. The King touched on numerous issues ranging from unemployment to the economy and health. Here is a breakdown of the top issues.

The assassination of people should stop

The King called upon all mankind and the friends of the kingdom, to condemn these acts of assassinations where we have lost many lives. The King then sent we sent words of comfort to all the families that have been affected by these developments.

Sponsoring terrorism, a crime against humanity

The King said the sponsoring of terrorism is a crime against humanity and urged the international world to condemn it. He said no one wants to live in a country where government structures are continuously destroyed, homes are burnt down and people’s lives are lost, stressing that chase away investors.

Promoting the spirit of living in harmony

The King urged emaSwati to promote the spirit of living in harmony with one another, adding that we should guard and cherish this jewel as a nation for the benefit of our future generations. He further said emaSwati should come together and be united in one objective of promoting a peaceful environment.

National Elections

His Majesty King Mswati III urged emaSwati to all go out and exercise their right to cast their vote and let it count. “Let each of us be reminded of our slogan; ngete ngasala nasakha live”.

Thermal power station construction

The King has directed the government to pursue the thermal power project given the abundance of coal deposits in the country. The King said this needs to be done while taking into consideration minimising the impact of emissions on the environment using technological advancements as we are seeing in some developed countries.

Double celebration

The kingdom will this year have a double celebration of 55 years of independence and the 55th birthday of the Monarch.

Youth empowerment

His Majesty King Mswati III says the government will strive to ensure that young people contribute positively to the development of the country, as well as improve their own lives.

EmaSwati should be the biggest beneficiaries of mineral resources

EmaSwati must be the biggest beneficiaries of the country’s mineral resources, the King has said. The King disclosed that numerous mineral targets were successfully identified through a survey conducted last year and it is important that the biggest beneficiaries of these minerals are the people of Eswatini. He said this requires a review of the mining legislation, considering the practices of nations that are successful in this regard, such as the gulf states. We must ensure that emaSwati reap the full benefits of our God-given resources.

Government to continue investing in new roads construction

The King has ordered the government to continue investing in the construction of new roads and rehabilitating the damaged ones. He said the government shall give more attention to improving the feeder roads in the communities to attract investment and development in these areas. He further called for the continuing of the probate rollout across the country to improve the road networks. He also announced that the Sicunusa-Nhlangano road is due completion in July 2023.

Making Eswatini a destination of choice

All efforts should be made to ensure the kingdom remains a preferred destination of choice both locally and internationally.