BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE– The Republic of Korea has donated five ambulances to His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS), in what government officials have described as a timely boost to the country’s emergency response capacity.
The contribution came less than 24 hours after the newly appointed Korean ambassador formally presented his letters of credence to His Majesty King Mswati III at Lozitha Palace.
The handover ceremony, held shortly after the diplomatic engagement, was presided over by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, His Royal Highness Prince Simelane on Friday, November 14, 2025. As a minister responsible for HMCS, Prince Simelane accepted the state-of-the-art ambulances on behalf of HMCS, expressing gratitude for what he described as a meaningful and strategic gesture of friendship from the Republic of Korea.
According to the Ministry, the donation represents a major step forward in improving healthcare support within correctional facilities, many of which require reliable emergency transportation to safeguard the wellbeing of inmates and staff. Officials stated that the additional fleet would enhance the ability of HMCS to respond swiftly to medical emergencies, transport patients safely, and strengthen overall healthcare management within the correctional system.
Prince Simelane acknowledged the donation as a symbol of Korea’s ongoing commitment to supporting Eswatini’s national development. The Minister commended the Republic of Korea for recognising the importance of strong institutional capacity, particularly in sectors where health and safety are directly linked to human dignity.
The donation is seen as aligning with Eswatini’s broader efforts to modernise essential services and strengthen the resilience of public institutions. They indicated that improved medical mobility for HMCS would reduce delays in accessing appropriate care, improve emergency preparedness and contribute to the overall protection of life within the correctional environment.
Observers have viewed the timing of the donation as significant, coinciding directly with the ambassador’s formal entry into diplomatic service in Eswatini. The gesture has been interpreted as a strong signal of Korea’s intention to deepen bilateral ties and contribute to areas of practical need.
The Ministry added that such partnerships were instrumental in ensuring that emaSwati—regardless of their circumstances—could access timely and dignified healthcare. It stressed that supporting correctional facilities was an essential part of nation-building, as the welfare of inmates and staff formed part of the country’s overall social fabric.
In its concluding remarks, the Ministry affirmed that Eswatini and Korea would continue collaborating on programmes aimed at strengthening institutions, improving lives and promoting shared development goals. It reiterated that the donation of ambulances was more than an equipment handover; it was a demonstration of solidarity, cooperation and mutual respect between the two nations.
(Courtesy Pics)
