LOBAMBA: Soldiers and the police were deployed on Friday to work on King Mswati’s fields as per his ongoing Incwala ceremony.
The salaries of soldiers and the police who work on Mswati’s fields at Engabezweni and Lobamba to name but a few, are paid for by eSwatini taxpayers, through the Ministry of Finance.
The revenue that funds the national budget and subsequently pays security officers who work on Mswati’s fields is collected from members of the public by the Eswatini Revenue Authority(SRA).
These taxes include the Value Added Tax(VAT), Pay as You Earn(PAYE) and Coporate Tax among others.
Reached for comments, Ludzidzini Governor Lusendvo Fakudze said he was at home and referred comments to Indvuna Comentanyeni.
“I am not at work Zweli, kunjani ushayele Comentanyeni”, said the Governor.
Efforts to reach Indvuna Comentanyeni proved unsuccessful at the time of compiling this report.
Reached for comments, Wandile Dludlu, the Secretary General of the People’s United Democratic Movement(PUDEMO) said the country did not have an army but a group of people who beat, harass and murder Swazis who called for political change.
“We don't have a national army in Swaziland but a group of guys who beat, harass and murder Swazis who call for political change to a democracy. Their other job is to collect wood and draw water for royalty”, said the PUDEMO Secretary General.
King Mswati commissioned regiments including members of the security forces to work on his fields as part of his Incwala ceremony that is fully funded by taxpayers money.
Soldiers and police working at Mswati fields.