Emakhosikati move to their new palaces

MBABANE— Emakhosikati to His Majesty King Mswati III have moved into the multi-million Emalangeni state houses, which were under construction over the past three years, while old palaces are being renovated.

Three of Emakhosikati moved out of Lozitha Palace in December last year, to make way for renovations.

Royal insiders said the first to move was Inkhosikati LaNtentesa. Just after becoming Liphovela in 2003, she lived at Prestige Guest House, in Beverly Hills, Mbabane, before moving to Lozitha Palace. The proprietor of the guesthouse is suing government for the costs of the occupation.

The second to vacate Lozitha was Inkhosikati LaGija just before Christmas, according to insiders.

The Manzana guesthouse is now vacant after Inkhosikati LaMahlangu also moved into her new mansion, closely neighbouring Emakhosikati LaNtentesa and LaGija.

Next to occupy the state house located at Mphumalanga Royal Residence, in Siteki, will be Inkhosikati LaMagongo. Her official residence is Mphumalanga, however, she also used Lozitha as her local residence. It is understood that construction of the state house there is at its final stages.

"The (state) palaces have not been fully completed. They (Emakhosikati) were moved before completion because Lozitha Palace will soon be a work site," said a source resident at the palace.

"Surveyors and engineers have already conducted an inspection of the royal residence," added the insider.

The new state houses have spacious rooms, with imported tiles and state of the art interior finishing. Each comes with a guardhouse, for security jointly provided by the army and police.

Other palaces that are under renovations are Engabezweni Royal Residence, which is under major expansion, and is the official residence of Inkhosikati LaNgangaza. Nkoyoyo palace, which is home to Inkhosikati LaMbikiza, is also being renovated.

The same was recently done at Ludzidzini Royal residence, where a wall fence was erected to prevent easy access and view to the main buildings. The dance arena used for traditional events was also modernised, which was done under the 40/40 independence celebrations renovations.

Moneni Royal Residence, which houses Inkhosikati LaMatsebula, is also being renovated.

At the time of compiling this report, the names of firms that have been awarded tenders for the renovations had not been confirmed. However, insiders said it was likely that some of the firms involved in the renovation and construction of other state houses would be involved. They include Project Management firm, E.D. Simelane and Associates; Swazi Consulting Engineers, A.G. Thomas, Hall Stacey Architects and Owen Thindwa and Associates, among many. Their employer is the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

Most of the palaces are located within the Manzini Region; the newest are located near Masundvwini.

They are located very close to the Masundvwini state house, which was previously used by King Sobhuza II.

Also located in their vicinity is the Masundvwini army barracks, one of the largest army bases in the region, which recently went through a multi-million Emalangeni facelift.

Official comment from the King’s Office Chief Officer Bheki Dlamini could not be obtained. At the time of writing this report, he had not responded to a questionnaire sent to his office. However, it was confirmed that he had received it. When called on Friday, he asked to be contacted later as he was in a meeting. His phone, however, went unanswered when called at 4:10 pm, and 5:30 pm. He was called again yesterday at 10:45am, but there was not response.

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