BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
NGABEZWENI — A visiting South African cleric, Chief Apostle Siza Nongqunga, declared Eswatini “the only kingdom we trust” on 7 March 2026 at Ngabezweni Royal Residence, where church leaders gathered to bid farewell to King Mswati 111 following a national Easter prayer programme, urging emaSwati to remain rooted in their faith, leadership and cultural values.
Delivering a brief sermon at the gathering, the bishop drew from a scripture shared earlier, referencing 2 Kings 1:2–4, where King Ahaziah, after sustaining an injury, sent messengers to consult Baal Zebub, the god of Ekron, instead of seeking the Lord. In the passage, the prophet Elijah rebukes the king, asking whether it was because there is no God in Israel that he sought guidance elsewhere, before declaring that the king would not recover. The bishop used the account to caution against turning away from God for direction, stressing the importance of trusting in divine guidance.
He told congregants that Eswatini “has life,” stressing that God is present within the country and its leadership. He added that political systems are established by people, while both God and kingship are divinely ordained.
Ngqungqa further urged the nation to guard against adopting practices from other countries that conflict with its values. He spoke against same sex relationships, aligning his remarks with earlier sentiments shared by Chief Archbishop Professor Samson Hlatjwako, who welcomed the King’s position on the matter. Hlatjwako also cautioned pastors against conducting or endorsing such unions for financial gain.
“People often fail to recognise the wealth within their own nation and look outside for direction,” he said, encouraging emaSwati to appreciate and protect what they have.
The bishop described Eswatini as a uniquely preserved kingdom, stating that it remains the only one of its kind on the continent. He credited God for sustaining both the nation and the King throughout the monarch’s reign, which spans four decades.
He further emphasised that God speaks through chosen leaders, and warned against doubting or disregarding the King’s directives, describing such attitudes as misguided. “We are here because of the one chosen by the Lord,” he said. “If he were not chosen, this kingdom would not have endured.”
Ngqungqa concluded with a prayer for the King’s continued protection and longevity, asking that God preserve both the monarch and the nation.
