By Zweli Martin Dlamini

I remember issuing a statement pleading with members of the public to stop insulting Mswati when commenting on our social media platforms by calling him “Nketjane” and even though it wasn’t easy, we manage to reduce the insults against the King.

We were doing that as part of our media policy to promote fair political debates with no insults but a non-personalized democratic discourse to influence democracy and good governance.

But now, the same King who we were trying to protect is calling emaSwati who are calling for democracy “emahhahhanyane”, it is very unfortunate to note that Mswati is continuing to undermine citizens of this country with different political views.

The word “emaHhahhanyane” is an insult and we cannot plead with the public to debate politics fairly and refrain from insulting the King while on the other hand, we allow Mswati to insult political activists.

Politics is about debates, tolerance and competition of ideas,those who are calling for democracy are emaSwati not emaHhahhanyane, this is an insult that was not expected to come from a Head of State who is supposed to be the leader of all citizens.

When addressing the Nation, Mswati must learn to act like a responsible leader, leadership suggests that, you lead those who agree and those who disagree with you.

But Mswati believes those who are against his Tinkhundla system of Governance are “emaHhahhanyane”, it would be very unfortunate if the King drinks alcohol or smoke drugs before addressing Sibaya national gathering because honestly, some of his statements are worrying.

The King must understand that, some of us will not shout “Bayethe Wena Waphakathi” even when he utters nonsense, we will analyze each and every word he says and express our views. 

The word “emaHhahhanyane” must be withdrawn or retracted by the King,otherwise Mswati might be known as King Hhahhanyane as his nickname.

Indeed,if the King calls other emaSwati with different political views “emaHhahhanyane”, who told him he cannot be labelled “Lihhahhanyane”considering the damage he is causing in this country?.