By Bahle Gama
His Majesty King Mswati III has proclaimed 2025 as a transformative year for Eswatini, marking the nation’s entry into its “promised land” phase, a period he described as one of breakthrough, prosperity, and fulfilment of long-held aspirations.
Speaking during the National Prayer Service at Mandvulo Hall, at the Lozitha Royal Residence, the King shared a message of hope, emphasizing that the struggles and hardships the Swati nation has faced are now behind them.
His Majesty expanded his vision beyond the borders of Eswatini, stating that this “promised land” phase is not exclusive to the country but extends to the African continent and the world at large.
He expressed optimism that 2025 would usher in a new era of growth, unity, and prosperity for all, driven by faith and perseverance.
“This is a call to action for all emaSwati to embrace this pivotal moment with renewed determination and purpose, aligning their efforts with the vision of a brighter future,” said the King.
RELATED: King Mswati III christens Luke Commission Hospital
His Majesty King highlighted the theme, “May God prosper the Swati nation”, further emphasizing that this prosperity should not only extend to the nation but also to the homes of emaSwati, encouraging all citizens to succeed individually as well.
The King stressed the importance of relying on God as a nation.
“One way for us to prosper is to understand what God is looking for from us. What we need to remember is that we are blind without being led by God, incompetent without His instruction, insufficient without His guidance, and incapable without His anointing.
These words are savoury to listen to because all that comes from the Lord is like that,” said the King.
Reflecting on the trials and tribulations that emaSwati have endured, the King reassured the nation that these challenges are now a thing of the past.
Mandvulo Hall, Lozitha Royal Palace.
He attributed this turning point to the power of prayer, faith, and the nation’s collective resilience.
His Majesty emphasized that the difficulties encountered in previous years were merely stepping stones toward a better tomorrow, and 2025 is the time to reap the rewards of their endurance and faith.
During his sermon, the King also highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong spiritual foundation as the nation transitions into this new phase.
He encouraged emaSwati to remain steadfast in their prayers and to continue placing their trust in God, who has guided them through the storms and into this season of abundance and promise.
The King’s message was both spiritual and motivational, aimed at inspiring the nation to embrace optimism and unity as they move forward.
His Majesty’s sermon resonated deeply with the congregation, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of hope, faith, and perseverance in overcoming adversity.
By framing 2025 as a “promised land” phase, the King set a tone of positivity and determination, encouraging emaSwati to seize the opportunities that lie ahead and work collectively toward achieving the nation’s goals.
The declaration also carries broader implications for the African continent and the global community, signalling Eswatini’s commitment to being part of a larger movement of progress and transformation.
His Majesty’s vision underscores the interconnectedness of nations and the shared responsibility to strive for peace, development, and prosperity on a global scale.
RELATED: King Mswati III calls for an increase in trade between Eswatini and Zimbabwe
The King further urged emaSwati to worship God in all situations, whether good or bad and to place their unwavering trust in Him.
“I am happy to see that God never fails. Be bold and courageous, and know that when God is with you, there is no need to lose faith.
Whatever situation you may be in, just tell yourself that you will not face it alone because God is there, the one who sees our future and years to come. That is who we should take our troubles to,” the King said.
Drawing on biblical references, His Majesty reminded the congregation of how God responded to the Levites’ prayers during their encounter with King Jehoshaphat.
He recounted the miraculous event where the enemies turned against each other, demonstrating the power of prayer and faith.
“We pray that every evil intended towards you shall turn back on them or against each other. What we must do is not fight for ourselves.
Whatever battles we encounter in life, we must not retaliate but allow God to fight on our behalf.”
His Majesty further encouraged emaSwati to take their challenges to God rather than to people who might deceive them. Instead, he urged the nation to seek out those who would pray and fast with them.
“We want emaSwati to fast, pray, and fear God,” His Majesty concluded, emphasizing the critical role of faith and devotion in achieving both personal and national prosperity.
Indlovukazi raises alarm over youth substance abuse in Eswatini
Her Majesty the Indlovukazi has raised a significant concern regarding the alarming trend of substance abuse among the youth in Eswatini.
In her sermon during the service at Mandvulo Hall, she expressed deep worry about the rising cases of alcohol and drug addiction among the younger generation.
She pointed out that if this issue is not addressed promptly and effectively, it could lead to serious long-term consequences for the nation, including a surge in the number of young people who may end up in mental health facilities or asylums due to addiction-related issues.
The Indlovukazi’s remarks were a call for action, urging the nation to be vigilant and proactive in tackling the root causes of substance abuse before the problem escalates further.
“As much as I am digressing a bit from the prepared sermon, this is a very crucial matter which we must take seriously, physically and spiritually as a country, because our children are getting out of hand with these drugs as highlighted by one of the pastors earlier,” Her Majesty said.
Her Majesty emphasized the need for better support systems, education, and rehabilitation programs to help guide the youth away from destructive behaviours and to offer them healthier alternatives.
Her message resonated with a sense of urgency, highlighting that the consequences of inaction could be dire for both individuals and the nation as a whole.
