NGABEZWENI – His Majesty King Mswati III has called on emaSwati to work tirelessly towards achieving food security, declaring that no citizen should go hungry.
Eswatini is a country blessed with fertile land, strong cultural values and a growing agricultural sector.
The King made the remarks during the dispersing of the regiments at the Ngabezweni Royal Residence following the completion of harvest-related activities. Addressing members of the regiments and community members gathered at the royal residence, the King praised their efforts in promoting agriculture and preserving cultural traditions that have sustained the nation for generations.
His Majesty commended the regiments for the work they had undertaken, describing their contribution as notable and beneficial to the country’s development. He said the success of the harvest demonstrated the importance of hard work, unity and commitment.
His Majesty stressed that the work in the fields was notable.
The King noted that the rains that fell during the agricultural activities were a positive sign and an indication that the work being undertaken was receiving blessings from both God and the nation’s ancestors. His Majesty was referring to the recent rains in the country.
He said the rainfall showed that what they were doing was good and further demonstrated that God in Heaven and emadloti were pleased with the efforts made by the nation.
His Majesty said the successful harvest was evidence of the strength and determination of emaSwati and should encourage the country to increase food production. He expressed confidence that Eswatini could achieve self-sufficiency in food production and eventually produce enough surplus to assist neighbouring countries.
“We should strive to ensure that Eswatini has enough food for its people and reaches a point where it can also help feed other countries,” the King said.
He stressed that while food processing industries were important for economic growth, agriculture remained the foundation upon which food security depended. The King stressed the importance of farming adding that this gave confidence that a time is coming when every type of food required by emaSwati would be available within the country for the nation to have food security.
The King urged citizens to intensify their efforts in agriculture and community development, emphasising that food security should benefit every member of society.
“What is important is that we continue working hard so that there is more food available. There should be no hungry liSwati. Every citizen deserves access to food, including vulnerable members of society such as orphans,” he said.
His Majesty highlighted the importance of compassion and mutual support, describing these as core values of Swati culture. He encouraged communities to continue helping those in need, saying even small acts of generosity could make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. The King said in the Eswatini culture, it was a norm to feed someone who did not have anything to eat.
“In our culture, when we see someone in need, we assist them. Even a small contribution can help another person. That spirit of caring for one another must continue,” he said.
The King also reflected on the role of culture in strengthening communities and preserving national identity. He noted that cultural practices such as the regiments continued to grow stronger each year and had become deeply rooted in the lives of many emaSwati.
He said the traditional practice was part of “our blood”.
His Majesty further observed that gatherings such as those involving the regiments created opportunities for people to communicate, support one another and strengthen social cohesion.
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