By Tandzile Dlamini
MBABANE – Government has announced that the late Senator Constance Simelane, the country’s former Deputy Prime Minister, will be honoured with a State Funeral.
The announcement was made through a press statement issued by Deputy Prime Minister Senator Thulisile Dladla, who described the passing of Senator Simelane as a moment of deep national sorrow. Simelane made history when His Majesty King Mswati III appointed her as the first female Deputy Prime Minister, a role she served in from 2006 to 2008 with distinction and dedication.
In honour of her trailblazing service and lasting impact on the nation, a State Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025, at St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Fairview, Manzini. The burial will follow on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Golf Course Cemetery in Manzini.
“A Government committee has been appointed and is already working closely with the Simelane family to finalise funeral arrangements,” the official statement noted, adding that full details regarding the programme and timings will be shared in due course.
Senator Simelane was celebrated for her commitment to public service, her advancement of women’s leadership, and her compassionate approach to governance. The State Funeral is not only a recognition of her role as a national leader but also a tribute to the values she upheld.
As the nation prepares to bid farewell, Senator Simelane’s life stands as a beacon of inspiration—her legacy a guiding light for future generations.
