BY MBONO MDLULI
NHLANGANO – Former South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma has attended Nhlangano King’s Birthday for the second time.
The last time Zuma attended the King’s Birthday was in Nhlangano in 2016. At the time, Zuma was still the president of South Africa. The King’s Birthday was held at the King Sobhuza II Stadium at the time and the king was turning 48 years.
Today, Zuma arrived was part of the King’s Birthday together with His Majesty Seretse Khama Ian Khama, who is also former Botswana’s President. Former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila also attended the event. Taiwan’s Special Envoy Lin Chia-lung was also present at the event, representing Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te.
Zuma arrived at the event at around 12 midday. His arrival at the stadium was met with excitement, as some of the attendants sang his trademark song known as ‘Umshini Wami.’
The song was sung for about five minutes, showing how excited its singers were. His arrival was also followed by the arrivals of the other former Heads of State.
After their arrival, Her Majesty the Indlovukazi arrived at about 1pm. Her arrival was marked by jubilation from the attendants. Her greetings was the one that provoked great excitement from the thousands of attendees.
About 30 minutes later, His Majesty arrived, provoking untold excitement from the crowds. The king was driven around the stadium in an open vehicle, accompanied by Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) Commander Lieutenant General Mashikilisane Fakudze, Police National Commissioner (NatCom) Vusi Manoma Masango, and His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) Commissioner General (ComGen) LaMakhosini Phindile Dlamini.
After that, a National Anthem was sung, before the king inspected the Guard of Honour. The event was characterised by many other entertainment activities such as Sibhaca, Ingadla, Ummiso, Lutsango, and some martial arts displays done by children who live at Amitofo Care Centre.
All of the attendants were able to enjoy favourable weather conditions, as it was mostly sunny for the better part of the day in Nhlangano. The temperature was around 20°C, a temperature that was deemed suitable for almost everyone, even though it was a bit cool.
