MBABANE:King Mswati rules over a country in deep political and economic crisis and remains a threat to democracy within the entire Southern Africa region, Harvard Scholar and leader of the People’s United Democratic Movement(PUDEMO) Velaphi Mamba stated in his article published by the Mail & Guardian this week.
Mamba said, Mswati ascended to the Throne in 1986 after a disputed selection process carried out by a powerful cabal led by Prince Mfanasibili and the Liqoqo(King’s Advisory Council), during the interregnum following King Sobhuza II’s death.
“As a young crown prince, Makhosetive Dlamini was sent to the UK to be educated and groomed for leadership.But instead of preparing for the responsibilities ahead,he gained a reputation for truancy and a fondness for squash over study. Today, King Mswati presides over a nation in distress-one wracked by repression and inequality.Mswati is internationally notorious for his opulence: multiple wives, palaces, a fleet of luxury cars, two customised jets and a lavish lifestyle supported by one of the most unequal economies in the world”, writes the Harvard Scholar.
Mamba further noted that, the King’s personal extravagance stands in stark contrast to the poverty of the 1.2 million people he rules over-subjects, rather than citizens, under an absolute monarchy.
“As of 2023, approximately 59% of the population lives below the poverty line, with 29% experiencing extreme poverty.The unemployment rate has surged to 35%, with youth unemployment alarmingly high at 56% as of March 2023.Under his rule, Swaziland has become a private estate for the royal family. With sweeping executive, legislative and judicial powers, the king holds an estimated 90% stake in the national economy. He is listed by Forbes as having a personal fortune of around $200 million. Although this wealth is officially held “in trust” for the nation, in reality it is used almost exclusively for the benefit of the royal household. He maintains financial interests in all major sectors of the economy, while the population sinks deeper into poverty”, reads the article in part.
Velaphi Mamba is a Harvard Scholar and leader of the eSwatini’s main and largest political party, the People’s United Democratic Movement(PUDEMO).
King Mswati(pic: sourced via Mail and Guardian).