By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE: Timbongi sing praises to the President of the Swaziland Liberation Movement(SWALIMO)Mduduzi Magawugawu Simelane before he addresses the party's National Executive Committee(NEC)meetings.

After the praise singing, the SWALIMO President then proceeds to address the meeting and in most of the meetings, no one is allowed to  interrupt or ask questions to the President.

During the thanksgiving event of his wife Nomalungelo ‘LaZwide’ Simelane, the newly elected Siphofaneni Member of Parliament(MP), Magawugawu’s praise singer Thandaza Silolo who doubles as SWALIMO Spokesperson sang praises to SWALIMO President.

“Praises are meant to encourage a person who works tirelessly to assist other people, Magawugawu deserves to be praised. Others might think praises were meant for the King, NO, anyone can be honoured with praises if the author of the praises sees a need. As a poet, this is my way of exercising my freedom of expression,” said the SWALIMO Spokesperson.

A source within the SWALIMO National Executive Committee(NEC) told this Swaziland News that they complained that the praise singing would create unnecessary attention for them and the President.

“Instead the President thanked Somlomo(Spokesperson) for responding ‘well’ to our questions when you enquired about the praise singing,” said the insider.

King Mswati employed praise singers who normally sing his praises before he addressed meetings, these include Sandile ‘Msandi kaBaba’ Nxumalo and Qethuka Dlamini.