By Zweli Martin Dlamini

LOZITHA: King Mswati’s Spokesperson Percy Simelane says, the highly anticipated 55-55 King’s Birthday and Independence Day double celebration will continue smoothly,without the presence of other Heads of State within the Southern African Development Community(SADC) region.

Responding to this Swaziland News on Tuesday evening, when asked why SADC Heads of State snubbed such an important event in the history of the country, the Spokesperson said, other guests might not be physically present but, they will be represented.

The event will be held on Wednesday at the Somhlolo National Stadium, former President Jacob Zuma, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and former Botswana President Ian Khama are expected to grace the event.

“The celebrations in question are not a SADC Summit.Therefore, participation in them is not mandatory.The invitations were dispatched were not orders, and we did not expect every SADC Head of State to come in person.Representation is normal everywhere in the world if the intended guest is engaged in other  pressing duties of national interest. With or without total participation  of SADC Heads of State, we believe we shall successfully celebrate as a nation.There is no Nation we almost became, and we believe we are not expected to celebrate like another SADC Nation with may have enjoyed total participation of SADC Heads of State”, said the King’s Spokesperson.

Eswatini will, on Wednesday, 06 September 2023, celebrate fifty-five(55) years of Independence from British rule including the King’s Birthday.

Reached for comments, Sivumelwano Nyembe, the Spokesperson of the pro-democracy MultiStakeholder Forum(MSF) said, they observed the notable absence of the sitting Heads of State at what he described as a meaningless independence celebration.

“We earnestly hope that governments both within the region and across the world will voice their concerns regarding the absence of democracy in Swaziland.It is our belief that Swaziland requires substantial political support to facilitate a meaningful transition to democracy, which is essential for ensuring sustainable peace in the country. We strongly advocate for the initiation of internationally mediated political dialogue, a critical step in addressing the prevailing challenges.We call upon the heads of states in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to take on the responsibility of pushing for political dialogue in Swaziland.The failure to implement their own resolutions poses a threat to the dignity and legitimacy of SADC.The people of Swaziland are in dire need of this internationally mediated political dialogue to pave the way for a democratic and peaceful future”, said the MSF Spokesperson.

On another note, Penuel Malinga, the Secretary General of the People’s United Democratic Movement(PUDEMO), released a statement,saying,the Independence Day serves as a constant reminder of the task to push the Swazi struggle and, intensify the fight to reclaim freedom and independence from the royal family.