LEAKED EVIDENCE REVEALS ALLEGED CLASH BETWEEN KING MSWATI AND QUEEN NTOMBI OVER CABINET APPOINTMENTS
In a leaked electronic evidence purportedly intercepted by Eswatini’s State Security Agency, Senator Princess Ncengencenge alleges a significant clash between King Mswati III and his mother, Queen Ntombi Tfwala, over the composition of the Cabinet. The revelation underscores the monarchy’s internal power dynamics and its influence over the government structure in the Tinkhundla system.
The evidence, shared with Swaziland News, includes intercepted conversations of public figures and confidential discussions within the royal family. According to the leak, King Mswati and Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini had prepared a list of Cabinet Ministers, which was later altered by the Queen Mother, Indlovukazi.
“The King and the Prime Minister prepared a list of Cabinet Ministers, but Indlovukazi came and changed everything. She even removed the children of the King from Cabinet despite emaSwati asking the King to include his children,” Princess Ncengencenge allegedly stated.
The Princess expressed her discontent with the Queen Mother’s decision to include Thuli Dladla, the current Deputy Prime Minister, in the Cabinet. “I am surprised because Indlovukazi included Thuli Dladla, a very dangerous ‘animal’ who looted monies belonging to women at SWEET. Thuli Dladla wadla imali yebafati but Indlovukazi rewarded her with the position of DPM. In fact, Indlovukazi wanted Thuli Dladla to be the Prime Minister, but the King refused,” she added.
Concerns About Foreign Influence in the Royal Family
The leaked evidence also revealed Princess Ncengencenge’s concerns about royal family members marrying foreigners and bringing external influences into Eswatini. She specifically mentioned Foreign Affairs Minister Pholile Dlamini-Shakantu, wife of Inyatsi Group Chairman Michello Shakantu, and Home Affairs Minister Princess Lindiwe, who is married to Robert Karaso of the Jesus Calls Worship Centre.
“Foreign individuals brought into the country by royal family members will one day ‘eat the King,’” Ncengencenge allegedly warned. She singled out Princess Lindiwe for criticism, describing her marriage as a risky alliance.
Manipulation of Parliament and the Tinkhundla Elections
In the leaked evidence, Princess Ncengencenge also described plans to work with other royal family members to control Parliament. She criticized Lobamba Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo, accusing him of being too sick to lead effectively.
The leaked discussions highlight concerns about the Tinkhundla elections, which are often portrayed as democratic. However, the evidence suggests that the King, the Queen Mother, the unelected Prime Minister, and other royal family members ultimately decide the Cabinet appointments, undermining the public’s vote.
Broader Implications
These revelations come at a time of growing dissatisfaction with Eswatini’s governance system, where the monarchy holds absolute power. The accusations against Thuli Dladla regarding her involvement in the controversial SWEET fund scandal and the internal struggles over Cabinet appointments further emphasize the disconnect between the monarchy’s priorities and the needs of ordinary Swazis.
Efforts to reach Princess Ncengencenge for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
The leaked evidence has sparked renewed calls for transparency and democratic reform, as many question the legitimacy of a system where critical decisions are made behind closed doors by unelected individuals. The revelations highlight the need for accountability and a governance structure that genuinely reflects the will of the people.
For now, the leaked evidence adds another layer of controversy to Eswatini’s political landscape, shedding light on the tensions within the royal family and the broader implications of their control over the nation’s governance. As citizens continue to demand reforms, the monarchy’s grip on power faces increasing scrutiny both domestically and internationally.
