BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
MBABANE – Preparations for His Majesty King Mswati III’s 57th birthday celebration are reported to be nearing completion, with the event set to take place on Friday, April 25, at King Sobhuza II Stadium in Nhlangano.
Organizers of the national event have indicated that beyond honoring the King, the event would serve as a platform for nurturing and enhancing the skills of young people involved in the performances.
The stadium is currently a hive of activity, with the youth and other groups working hard to perfect their skills ahead of the main event. Ongoing rehearsals included Lutsango practicing their dance routines and members of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) conducting drills in preparation for the celebrations.
The recently appointed Shiselweni Regional Administrator (RA) Themba Masuku stated that he had been assured by the organizing team that preparations were 80% complete and that the venue would be ready well before the main event. He noted that local residents and vendors from the Shiselweni region were visibly excited about the celebrations being hosted in their region, as they anticipated economic benefits through increased sales and business opportunities.
Head of Entertainment for the national event, Davis Zwane, stated that rehearsals were progressing well. While some groups were still practicing in segments, he noted that their performances were steadily coming together. He mentioned that the cultural groups involved, including Ummiso, Lutsango, and Sibhaca, were all from the Shiselweni region. He emphasized that this was a strategic effort to empower the youth, as national events of this nature provided a crucial opportunity for them to develop their talents.
Zwane added that excitement and commitment among the participants remained high, and he expressed confidence that their performances would meet expectations. He highlighted the significance of this experience for the youth, expressing hope that some would go on to become instructors who could pass down cultural traditions to future generations. Acknowledging the challenges of organizing such a large-scale event, he assured that the entertainment lineup would be well executed.
Masuku further expressed optimism that businesses would thrive during the celebrations and stated that the event would contribute positively to the country’s economy. He encouraged the Shiselweni community to demonstrate their commitment and professionalism so that their contributions would be positively remembered.
Meanwhile, preparations for the celebrations were officially launched last month when Minister of Home Affairs, HRH Princess Lindiwe, unveiled the logo for the 57th King’s Birthday celebration. The launch, which took place at Happy Valley Hotel, marked the beginning of nationwide preparations for the event.
Speaking at the event, Princess Lindiwe was said to have extended an open invitation to all emaSwati, urging them to participate in the celebrations. She reportedly emphasized the importance of unity and widespread involvement as the nation prepares to honor the King’s birthday.
The minister further announced that the newly launched logo was available for free from the communications office upon request. She encouraged community organizations and individuals to incorporate it into their plans for the festivities.
With final preparations underway, Nhlangano remained a hub of activity as organizers made last-minute refinements. The event was expected to be a vibrant and culturally rich celebration, leaving a lasting impact on both the participants and attendees.
