By Bahle Gama
Former South African President Jacob Zuma has expressed his admiration for Eswatini’s peaceful traditions and his hope for similar values to be embraced in South Africa.
Zuma made these remarks during the beginning of the year’s National Prayer at Mandvulo Hall, at Lozitha Royal Palace on Saturday, January 25, 2025, wherein he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the service, further highlighting the peace and unity the Swati nation has maintained. He said,
“Being here is such a great blessing, the Eswatini nation is indeed greater. We appreciate the invite from His Majesty King Mswati III to join the nation in prayer,” he said.
He acknowledged the warm hospitality extended by the nation, particularly by Her Majesty stating, “Indlovukazi, we always feel at home and that we have a Swati mother.”
Zuma continued, reflecting on his many years of attending the prayer service, further sharing that His Majesty always allows him an opportunity to speak and, hopes that over the years to come, he will listen to pastors preach and enjoy the serenading of the praise team.
“If prayer was edible, I’d be full to the brim,” Zuma humorously stated, expressing his admiration for the depth and sincerity of the prayers he had witnessed during the service.
He went on to praise His Majesty, noting that when the King preaches, the nation will be full for the entire year. He recognized the unique nature of Eswatini’s religious practices,
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explaining how His Majesty ensures the nation is reminded of its duties both at the beginning and end of each year. Zuma stated that this kind of unity and reflection is rare in other countries.
“It is only Eswatini that does this, whereby the King brings all of his people to do such. This is greatly commendable and a good lesson,” he said.
Zuma shared his ongoing curiosity, having asked for years why other nations aren’t following Eswatini’s example of bringing people together for prayer.
He described the prayers in Eswatini as moving and distinct, adding, “The way pastors pray is different and it moves you as a person.”
National Prayer Service at Mandvulo Hall, Lozitha Royal Palace.
Zuma then shifted to praise Eswatini for its consistent peace, contrasting it with the ever-rising issues in neighbouring South Africa.
He observed that in South Africa, crime is strife, and it is visible that respect no longer exists.
He commended Eswatini for being a country that maintains peace and respect, particularly during times of elections, where “many places have been corrupted in many countries.”
He continued to applaud the leadership of Eswatini, particularly His Majesty, for fostering a nation that respects others, despite his title, and for listening to the people.
“I applaud the King for a nation that knows and respects other people, despite his title, and allows the nation to speak for itself, whilst he listens.”
Zuma encouraged Eswatini’s pastors to inspire their South African counterparts to embrace such a culture of unity, prayer, and respect, as “they don’t even meet together in the same room.”
He emphasized that where a nation is disrespectful and divided, there is never peace, adding that South Africa is a perfect example of that.
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The former attributed the peace in Eswatini to its monarch, noting that Eswatini is led by a King, which is why they know there is a God and constantly pray.
Zuma further reflected on the reasons behind his call for a return to monarchy leadership in South Africa, stating that he wanted a country “that will be led by its people.”
He also criticized the current political landscape, where elected officials sometimes forget about the people’s needs once in power.
He praised monarchies for maintaining respect and harmony, saying, “King-led countries retain all the respect and harmony.”
Zuma expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to speak, noting that he typically doesn’t speak unless necessary, preferring to listen and reflect.
However, he acknowledged his concerns, particularly about issues in South Africa, where the nation had fought for freedom but still faced many challenges.
“It’s been 30 years since then. We are a different nation in the same country, this has allowed us to see that South Africans don’t pray like emaSwati,” he said.
He went on to express his desire to learn from Eswatini, saying that whining does not help a person, one must stand tall, adding that South Africans should change and copy from Eswatini for the benefit of the neighbouring country.
Further, he requested prayers for South Africa, “so that the heavens give us back our country without any blood spillage,” and specifically prayed “that God blinds those stealing votes and hiding them under beds during elections.”
He shared that his party had compelling evidence and was pursuing legal action, hoping for a favourable outcome.
He concluded by asking for prayers not just for South Africa but for the relationship between the neighbouring countries, calling for peace and unity.
“Please pray that the order is in our favour. If we win, we will break some of the boundaries and one day, both countries might hold a prayer service at the same time, but in both countries.”
Zuma ended with a final tribute to the Eswatini nation, saying, “the way emaSwati are treated, I don’t think there’s any other country where such exists. Respect is the pillar.”