The Kingdom of eSwatini is on fire. There are roadblocks, businesses are being set alight, and supermarkets are being looted.
There are also rumours King Mswati III has fled to South Africa.
The country is in turmoil as groups of people are protesting against the monarch’s rule.
The government released a statement saying the king has not fled the country, but protesters don't believe it. He has helicopters and a private jet, which were allegedly seen leaving.
Protesters also torched a brewery in which the king has a large stake.
“I would like to take this opportunity to assure amaSwati and the international community that His Majesty King Mswati III is in the country and continues to lead in working with government to advance the kingdom’s goals,” part of the statement from acting prime minister Themba Masuku reads.
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The country needs change, residents tell us.
Local Bheki Makhubu tells Drum the youth in his country is tired and they delivered a petition to government.
“Young people are calling for reform. People are not allowed to express themselves as they should. There has been protest action, looting and the burning of tyres. Mbabane [the capital] has been shut down and people have been told to go home and not be in town. There has been a lot of demonstration and activity in Manzini as well,” he says.
Bheki says Swati people live in poverty and Covid-19 has exacerbated the issues.
“The king has disappeared from the public eye. He is the highest authority yet he is not providing any leadership. The previous prime minister succumbed to Covid-19 and so from where we are, it looks like the highest offices in the country are empty.
#Breaking:
— Doug Coltart ??????? (@DougColtart) June 30, 2021
People in #eSwatini are saying that the King has declared martial law. Everyone has been given 30 minutes to get to their homes. After that, soldiers will shoot to kill anyone seen out, according to the source. Internet is still shut down.
“For stability, the king needs to be seen, yet we have only seen him three times since March last year. People are protesting against the weak leadership in a country with an aloof government and a depressed economy.”
He says King Mswati and his family has been living a lavish lifestyle for years while the nation has been poor, but things have worsened.
“A significant turning point was when he bought the Rolls Royce cars in 2019. It was insulting to amaSwati. Civil servants were told there would be no increases for them because the government had no money, yet he spent so much money.
"People are unhappy. His kids are arrogant, spoilt brats who have no humble bones in their bodies. They are really not helping their father either, while ordinary citizens are in a sea of poverty,” he says.
The king spent US$24.4 million (over R341 million) to buy 19 super-luxury Rolls Royce cars for his 15 wives. An expensive addition to his existing fleet of pricey vehicles that includes 20 Mercedes Maybach Pullman, a Maybach 62 and a BMW X6. He also bought 120 BMWs for his family members.
King Mswati III was crowned in 1986 when he was just 18 and he became the youngest ruling monarch in the world at the time. Despite everything, Bheki doesn't believe his fellow countrymen want to overthrow the king. They just want better lives.
“People just want proper leadership. Hereditary authority is extreme here,” he adds.
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Another resident, Philile Mncwango says the internet and network were being switched off by the government so the world can't see what's happening. It was a struggle just getting connected to talk to us.
“Personally, I feel sorry for all the businesses that not going to recover from all the looting and burning that's happening. We can't even leave home because people have put up road blocks and you have to pay to get through. If you don't pay, they will stone your car.
“People do not hate the king, it is just his practices that are a problem. He has his finger in each and every pie. Those children of his do not want democracy because that will cut them off. He has been doing this for years but this generation has had it and are not tolerating anything,” she says.
Tim Dlamini* says people in Swaziland are tired.
“It is a no-brainer that people need change. A lot has happened over the years, but this is long overdue. He has been looting for many years.”
*Not his real name
