MBABANE – Hhukwini Member of Parliament Alec Lushaba made his debut as an interpreter for His Majesty King Mswati III during the 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards on Wednesday evening.
The former newspaper editor Lushaba took on the prestigious responsibility at the Palazzo International Convention Centre (ICC) in Ezulwini, interpreting for the King during the event, which celebrated entrepreneurial achievement and business excellence in Eswatini.
He carried out the duty with calmness and confidence, marking a new milestone in his public service engagements and adding his name to the growing list of emaSwati who have been entrusted with interpreting for the King at national events.
Lushaba is no stranger to the media industry, having previously served as Managing Editor of the Eswatini Financial Times and the Eswatini Observer.
His debut comes as more emaSwati continue to take up the responsibility of interpreting for the King, a duty that requires the accurate communication of His Majesty’s remarks to audiences.
For several occasions, Director of Legal Affairs in the King’s Office Ntsika Fakudze has been entrusted with the role to translate for the king.
Recently, Phephile Dlamini, who works for the Royal Eswatini National Airways Corporation (RENAC), made headlines when she interpreted the King’s speech during the National Fire Day celebrations on Monday.
She became the third woman to perform the duty, following Tshidi Mdluli and Tandzile Maziya, who were the first women to interpret for the King.
Dlamini’s participation marked another milestone in the gradual inclusion of women in a role that has traditionally been performed by men.
Lushaba’s debut at the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards adds another name to those who have stepped into the role which for the longest time has been entrusted to Pastor Sihle Dlamini.
Lushaba’s appearance as an interpreter was among the notable moments of Wednesday evening’s ceremony, as the country gathered to celebrate entrepreneurial achievement.
