MBABANE: King Mswati,an absolute Monarch, is now avoiding expensive vehicles when appearing in public events amid outcry in a country where about 70% of the population lives below the poverty line.
This comes a month after the King arrived in a old ‘model’ Land Rover with eSwatini flag, on Friday this week he arrived with a BMW X5 ‘old model’ for the Ngwane Teachers Training College graduation Ceremony.
It has been reported that, King Mswati owns a fleet of Royce Rolls cars and there was public outcry when the vehicles were purchased.
Reached for comments on Saturday morning,Percy Simelane,the King’s Spokesperson said, the King’s vehicles were privately owned and therefore, there was no way he could fear using them amid alleged public outcry.
“We also want to believe that a public outcry for vehicles that were not purchased with public funds would be misplaced.Government uses public funds to buy escort vehicles and motorbikes for the King\'s Security Detail and not for his use.He buys the rest for himself and his family.If not that private entities customarily deliver them to him”, said the King’s Spokesperson when responding to our questionnaire on the subject matter.
The King’s Spokesperson then wondered why some people saw a need to bow their tops over privately purchased vehicles, despite the consistent explanation regarding issues surrounding the King’s cars.
“The topless LandRover in question is normally used by security to move the king around so that the public gets a sharper view of him.This arrangement has nothing to do with any fears or change of heart over use of his personal fleet. The Trade Fund that replenishes the King's fleet is not a public fund”, said the King’s Spokesperson.
But Emmanuel Ndlangamandla,the former Executive Director of the Coordinating Assembly of Non-Governmental Organizations(CANGO) when asked to comment regarding the King’s decision to use his old cars said, it’s difficult for a Head of State to claim that, certain properties “are privately owned” and be believed by the public.
“Unfortunately, when you are holding a position as a Head of State,it’s difficult to claim that, you are privately owning certain properties and be believed by members of the public.But it’s a positive step because people who are living in poverty, they want to see their leaders sympathizing with them in their plight. Ungabonakali wena sophila kancono kakhulu bona bahlupheka”, said the former CANGO Director, now the Treasurer General(TG) of the MultiStakeholder Forum(MSF).
King Mswati.