BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE
MBABANE– Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla has returned from Zambia after representing His Majesty King Mswati III at the inauguration of President Hakainde Hichilema, reinforcing the warm ties between the two neighbouring nations.
Dladla was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu during the official visit to Lusaka, where President Hichilema and Vice President Mutale Nalumango were sworn in for their second five-year term on Tuesday, 1 September 2026.
The inauguration, held at the National Heroes Stadium, brought together Heads of State and Government, regional leaders, diplomats and other dignitaries from across Africa and beyond. Zambia’s State House officially listed Dladla among the high-level representatives attending the ceremony.
Representing His Majesty at the important national occasion placed Eswatini among Zambia’s regional partners celebrating the beginning of a new five-year chapter under President Hichilema’s leadership.
Dladla conveyed His Majesty’s warm wishes for peace, stability and continued prosperity to the people of Zambia, with a particular message of hope for sustained economic growth.
President Hichilema’s second-term agenda, unveiled during his inauguration, is centred on moving Zambia from economic stabilisation towards greater production, wealth creation and broader economic opportunity under what he described as the “Grow Zambia” agenda.
His return to office follows an election victory in which he was declared the winner with about 60 per cent of the presidential vote. While the election attracted controversy and criticism from opposition figures and some observers, Hichilema’s inauguration marked the formal beginning of his second term.
For Eswatini, Dladla’s participation was more than attendance at a ceremonial occasion. It reflected the Kingdom’s continued engagement with Zambia at the highest diplomatic level.
The two countries share longstanding relations shaped by regional, cultural and economic connections. Their cooperation has included areas such as agriculture, trade, education, health and cultural exchange, creating opportunities for people and businesses in both countries.
The relationship also carries a strong cultural dimension. Zambia has hosted members of the Eswatini Royal Family and delegations during important traditional occasions, while the two countries have maintained people-to-people links rooted in shared Southern African heritage.
Dladla’s latest mission therefore comes at a time when regional cooperation remains important as African countries seek to strengthen economic links, promote stability and create greater opportunities for their citizens.
Her return to Eswatini signals the conclusion of a diplomatic mission in which the Kingdom stood alongside the Zambian people during a significant moment in their national journey.
Through the King’s message, Eswatini reaffirmed its goodwill towards Zambia and its hope for a peaceful, stable and prosperous future for the Zambian people.
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(Courtesy Pic)
