GOVT CLEARS HOLIDAY CONFUSION, JULY 22 A NORMAL WORKING DAY

BY THEMBA ZWANE

MBABANE – Government has moved to clear confusion surrounding July 22, confirming that Wednesday is a normal working day and not a public holiday.

The clarification follows uncertainty among some emaSwati, many of whom were unsure whether the date, which marks the birthday of the late King Sobhuza II, still qualifies as a public holiday.

Responding to enquiries, Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Nhlanhla Nxumalo, confirmed that July 22 is no longer observed as a public holiday.

“You are right, tomorrow is a normal working day,” said Nxumalo.

The confirmation is expected to settle speculation that has been circulating ahead of Wednesday, with some members of the public believing they would not be required to report for work.

July 22 was previously observed as a public holiday in honour of the late King Sobhuza II, who was born on July 22, 1899. The revered monarch remains one of the most influential figures in the country’s history and is credited with shaping modern Eswatini during his lengthy reign.

However, the country’s public holiday calendar was revised after His Majesty King Mswati III introduced the Lutsango Holiday as a new national holiday.

The Lutsango Holiday was established to recognise the significant role played by Lutsango, the national regiment of women, in preserving Eswatini’s cultural heritage, traditions and values.

Following the introduction of the new holiday, the July 22 public holiday was removed from the national calendar, meaning the date is no longer observed as a day off.

Despite the change having been effected some time ago, confusion has persisted among sections of the public, particularly as the date remains closely associated with the legacy of the late King Sobhuza II.

Government’s latest clarification means that public servants, private sector employees, schools and businesses are expected to operate normally on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Home Affairs’ intervention comes as a timely reminder that while the nation continues to honour and celebrate the immense contribution of the late King Sobhuza II, July 22 is no longer recognised as a public holiday in the Kingdom of Eswatini.