DON’T INVOLVE US - KING SOBHUZA II’S CHILDREN

MANZINI – Not us!

This is the statement from some princes and princesses, who are sons and daughters of King Sobhuza II, which they have issued, disassociating themselves from certain statements, which they said were negative and had sentiments attributed to them. The statement was read by Princess Tsandzile, who is the Hhohho Regional Administrator (RA), and National Chief Defence Officer Prince Hlangusemphi during a press conference held at Ludzidzini Royal Residence yesterday.

They read the statement in the presence of 12 other children of King Sobhuza II who included Minister of Housing and Urban Development Prince Simelane, Princess Siphila, who is the Indlovukazi of KaMabhoko and Princess Ncengencenge, among others. In total, they were 14. They said following some statements which they referred to as unpalatable and recorded video clips which were making the rounds on some social media platforms, they found themselves obliged as princes and princesses born to King Sobhuza II, to set the record straight.

Reiterating

The princes and princesses started by reiterating His Majesty King Mswati III’s message of condolences to the nation and families of those who were negatively impacted during the unfortunate nationwide upheavals which occurred in June and July, 2021.  Worth noting is that according to a report which was issued by the Human Rights Commission, a total of 291 people were shot in two days (June 28 and 29, 2021). It said 46 civilians died in the process. Among those who were shot, 19 were children and two of them died.

Thereafter, they said it was their considered view that the statements making the rounds were not only a misrepresentation of the position of princes and princesses, but also a flagrant disregard of the culture and protocol they had always lived and conducted themselves by. This, they said, they had done for many decades since the departure of their father, King Sobhuza II and the ascendancy of His Majesty Mswati III to the throne. “Therefore, we disassociate the entire princes and princess born to King Sobhuza II from the negative statements and sentiments attributed to us,” they said.

They argued that as princes and princesses born to King Sobhuza II, they were all in total support of His Majesty King Mswati III as they all embraced one position; that he was appointed by God. “We also stand entirely behind the national engagement which the King has announced to take place at Sibaya after Incwala,” they added. Therefore, they said as princes and princesses, they condemned in the strongest possible terms all derogatory statements directed to His Majesty the King. They pleaded with emaSwati not to lose respect and the nature yebuve babo (nationality).

Having said that, they reminded emaSwati of the durable advice and admonishing by King Sobhuza II to the effect that they (emaSwati) should do what was relevant and in sync with their way of life - (asente kwetfu lokulungela tsine). It is worth noting that before the press conference started, King’s Office Director of Communications Percy Simelane told the media that the princes and princesses would read the statement only. He said there would be no questions allowed.  On the other hand, Prince David, who is also a son of King Sobhuza II, was asked if he was aware of the statement and if he was part of the princes and princesses who issued it. He asked not to comment on the matter.

Issued

Even though the princes and princesses did not mention who issued the statements which were negative and recorded videos which circulated on social media platforms, it is public knowledge that a member of the royal family (King Sobhuza’s daughter), who made news headlines both in print media and online media, is Princess Dlalisile. Mid November 2021, this publication reported that while some had the notion that members of the royal family got everything, the princess said her life was so difficult such that she survived through shylocks (micro lenders). The princess had said this in a recorded video clip which circulated on social media platforms.

Efforts of getting a comment from Princess Dlalisile, who is a daughter to King Sobhuza II and Inkhosikati LaMasuku, proved futile as when this publication called her on her cellphone; it was consistently answered by a girl, who said the princess had gone out.

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