BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MANZINI – When professional nurse Tandzile Maziya stood before thousands of people and interpreted for His Majesty King Mswati III during Correctional Services Day celebrations on Friday, she was not only carrying the responsibility of translating the King’s message.
She was carrying history.
The Lomahasha Clinic nurse became the first woman since King Mswati III’s coronation to serve as his interpreter during an official national event, marking a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards gender inclusion and representation.
Yet, for the humble woman from Mconcwane under Mamba Umphakatsi, the moment was one she never saw coming.
“I was shocked. I did not expect this to happen and I never even dreamed about it,” Maziya said in an interview reflecting on the historic occasion.
“I never prayed for it because I did not think it was something that could happen to me. I thank God for strengthening me during that moment because I was still in shock.”
The historic assignment attracted national attention after His Majesty himself acknowledged the significance of having a female interpreter for the first time. The King commended Correctional Services for promoting gender balance, saying it was refreshing to witness a woman undertaking such an important national responsibility.
For Maziya, however, the experience was both exciting and overwhelming.
She revealed that she only learned about the opportunity on the very day it happened.
The news came unexpectedly, leaving little time to fully process the magnitude of what lay ahead.
“I think what helped me was that before I stood up, I had an opportunity to speak with Ntsika Fakudze, the Legal Administrator in the King’s Office, who had walked this journey before,” she said.
“After receiving advice from him, I made a silent prayer and God helped me.”
The words she confidently delivered before the nation — “Bayethe Wena Waphakathi!” — echoed across the venue as she stepped into a role that had historically been occupied by men.
Behind the historic moment lies a story of perseverance, faith and dedication.
Born in Mconcwane under Chief Maloyi Mamba and Indvuna Musa Matsentjwa, Maziya is the youngest of 12 children.
Growing up in a large family taught her resilience, discipline and the importance of hard work.
Her educational journey began at Khwezi Secondary School before she proceeded to Mpompotha High School. Determined to build a professional career, she enrolled at Good Shepherd College in 2012.
After completing her studies, she worked at Good Shepherd Hospital for four years, gaining valuable experience in healthcare.
Her thirst for knowledge did not end there.
In 2018, she enrolled at Southern Africa Nazarene University (SANU) to further her education while continuing to pursue her professional aspirations.
Today, she serves as a professional nurse at Lomahasha Clinic, where she is known for her commitment to caring for patients and serving her community.
While many people viewed her performance as remarkable, Maziya says interpretation itself was not entirely new to her.
For years, she had been using the same skills in church.
“I had previously done interpretation work at FEA Zakhele,” she explained.
“The difference now is the environment and the role. This is on a national level and I am interpreting for the Head of State. It was also my first time being so close to His Majesty King Mswati III.”
That distinction transformed what might have been an ordinary interpretation assignment into a moment of national significance.
The pressure was immense.
Millions of eyes were watching, and any mistake could have been magnified.
Yet those who witnessed her performance saw a composed and confident woman delivering her duties with professionalism and grace.
Maziya attributes her success not to personal ability alone but to divine guidance and the support of those who came before her.
She believes her experience carries an important lesson for emaSwati, particularly young people who may underestimate the significance of everyday responsibilities.
“Let us learn to be faithful in the little things that God has entrusted us with, whether in our communities, workplaces or churches,” she said.
“When you are faithful in the little things God has entrusted you with, He will trust you with bigger things.”
Those words have become even more meaningful considering her own journey.
What began as faithful service in church interpretation, nursing and community work eventually opened the door to one of the most historic moments of her life.
For many young women across Eswatini, Maziya’s achievement represents more than a personal milestone.
It is a reminder that barriers can be broken, traditions can evolve and opportunities can emerge from the most unexpected places.
From a young girl growing up in Mconcwane as the youngest of 12 siblings to becoming the first woman to interpret for the King, Tandzile Maziya’s story is one of faith, humility and preparation meeting opportunity.
And while she may have never dreamed of the moment, her historic achievement has already inspired countless others to dream bigger.
