‘EARLY BIRDS’ DEMAND CELLPHONES

MANZINI - “Aphi kantsi lama cellphones?” That was the question asked by the early birds after gates were opened by members of the security forces to the public at around 6:30am.

After going through the screening processes, people rushed into the almost empty stadium with the anticipation that they would receive the phones.
Instead of taking their seats, the close to 100 people assembled next to a reserved stand, demanding to be handed the gadgets.
In separate interviews, most alleged that they had queued from as early as 4am in order to be among the first 1 000 people.

SITELE TINCINGO KUPHELA

Others were overheard saying, “sitele letincingo kuphela, siya jika.”
This is loosely translated, “We have only come here just for the phones, and we will be going back to our respective homes.”
After waiting for about 20 minutes, some members of the armed forces requested the crowd which was by then swelling, to move to a temporary stand.
It was explained to them that there was never a promise for phones. The disappointed members of the public politely walked away.
However, it could not be established which mobile network provider had promised the early birds the gadgets.

Swazi Mobile Corporate Communications Manager Macford Sibandze sounded shocked when informed that members of the public antincipated to get free phones. 
“Kute intfo lenjalo (there was no such thing). I think it was just propaganda,” said a laughing Sibandze.

As the day progressed, around 7:30am, a stampede was almost witnessed as the crowd pushed and shoved for kanga (lihiya), which were being distributed by some ushers to invited guests.
Police and ministry of home affairs officers had to rush to save the situation by promising that the 50/50 lihiya would be distributed later.
The kangas came in different colours; some were red while the rest were maroon.

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