…His Majesty has called for the establishment of an Eswatini liaison officer in Cape Town
BY THEMBA ZWANE
CAPE TOWN – His Majesty King Mswati III has gifted a total of E55 000 to Eswatini students studying at universities in Cape Town, South Africa, in a gesture aimed at easing their financial burden and supporting their academic pursuits.
The King presented 11 emaSwati students with E5 000 each during a luncheon held in their honour in Cape Town, with the announcement made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Senator Pholile Shakantu.
The students, who are enrolled at Stellenbosch University and the University of Cape Town (UCT), expressed gratitude for the royal gesture, describing it as timely assistance that would help meet their academic and living expenses.
Only 11 students attended the luncheon, as some had already returned home for the holiday break while others had completed their studies.
Addressing the gathering, His Majesty encouraged the students to remain focused on their education and continue to be exemplary ambassadors of the Kingdom while living abroad.
The King also praised the people of South Africa for the longstanding hospitality they have extended to emaSwati over many years. He said the warm relations between the two neighbouring countries have enabled many Eswatini citizens to live, study and work in South Africa in peace.
His Majesty noted that emaSwati have earned a reputation for being humble, respectful and law-abiding people, qualities that have enabled them to integrate harmoniously into communities across South Africa. He urged those living and studying there to continue upholding these values, saying they reflect positively on the Kingdom.
The King further expressed hope that calm and mutual understanding would prevail amid heightened tensions surrounding the activities of the civil-led anti-immigration movement known as “March on March.” He encouraged emaSwati in South Africa to remain peaceful, respect the laws of their host country and avoid situations that could place them at risk.
Recognising the challenges faced by students living far from home, His Majesty also called for the establishment of an Eswatini liaison officer in Cape Town. He said such an office would provide much-needed support to students by helping them access government services more easily and addressing welfare concerns without requiring them to travel long distances.
The proposal was welcomed by the students, who said having a dedicated liaison officer in Cape Town would strengthen communication with the Eswatini Government and ensure quicker assistance whenever the need arises.
The luncheon formed part of His Majesty’s engagement with emaSwati living in South Africa and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare and success of its citizens studying abroad. The King’s financial support and words of encouragement were received with appreciation, with students pledging to work hard, complete their studies successfully and contribute to Eswatini’s development upon their return.
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