KING MSWATI’S R10 BILLION WEALTH SPARKS OUTRAGE AMID ESWATINI POVERTY CRISIS

King Mswati III, with an estimated wealth of R10 billion ($500 million) according to Forbes, faces growing criticism as Eswatini grapples with extreme poverty, widespread inequality, and failing public systems. The absolute monarch’s business interests, coupled with alleged unfair competition practices by companies linked to the royal family, have exacerbated tensions in a country where 70% of the population lives below the poverty line.

Eswatini’s economic struggles are stark: public hospitals suffer from chronic drug shortages, universities operate on dwindling resources, and financially strained students drop out in increasing numbers. The unemployment rate reached 33.3% in 2021, according to the World Bank, as basic commodities become increasingly unaffordable for many.

King Mswati reportedly owns stakes in industries ranging from construction and agriculture to telecommunications and forestry. However, his spokesperson, Percy Simelane, dismissed the Forbes report, claiming uncertainty about the methodology used to calculate the King’s wealth. “As the King’s rating formulae is an exclusivity to the person(s) who do the rating, it shall continue to be difficult to figure out what exactly was being calculated,” Simelane said.

The poverty crisis was on display this week during Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thulisile Dladla’s visit to Mgidzangcunu, a poverty-stricken area in the Lubombo Region. Despite repeated government visits to assess conditions, little action has been taken to address systemic issues. Mgidzangcunu’s plight is particularly notable, as the area is situated near lucrative sugarcane fields supplying the Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation (RESC). Many residents were forced into poverty after their land was seized for royal sugarcane farming.

In 2021, Eswatini exported over R8 billion worth of raw sugar to countries including South Africa, Kenya, and parts of Europe. Yet, residents of areas like Vuvulane, where much of this sugarcane is cultivated, live in dire poverty. Acting Chief Mphisi Dlamini of Vuvulane highlighted the devastating impact of these land grabs, saying, “The people are living in poverty because what rightfully belongs to them was grabbed by royalty.”

Dlamini, who has faced persecution for advocating for his community, expressed cautious optimism about the DPM’s visit. “We appreciate her visit so she could witness and receive firsthand information regarding the poverty situation. The poverty isn’t just limited to Mgidzangcunu—it’s affecting Macethuka, Khomba-so, Section 19, and Mabhawini as well.”

As frustration over inequality grows, local businesspeople have lodged complaints with the Eswatini Competition Commission (ECC) against Inyatsi Group Holdings and Montigny Investments, two companies allegedly linked to King Mswati. The Federation of Eswatini Business Community (FESBC) has accused the firms of unfair competition, further intensifying tensions in the struggling economy. Both companies have denied the allegations, but the perception of royal favoritism continues to erode trust in the system.

“Local businesspeople are frustrated and always complain to us as FESBC, hence we decided to take action,” said Tum DuPont, President of the FESBC.

Brian Sangweni, spokesperson for the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), attributed the country’s high poverty levels to the Tinkhundla governance system, which he described as inherently exploitative. “The system was designed to give the King political power, which he uses to accumulate wealth for himself. This has resulted in inequality, with wealth not equally distributed and public systems like health and education left to struggle,” Sangweni explained.

The health crisis is emblematic of the broader failures. Public hospitals lack basic medical supplies, leading to preventable deaths. Meanwhile, land grabs by the monarchy, such as those in Vuvulane, displace communities and deepen poverty. Despite these challenges, the monarchy continues to prioritize personal wealth accumulation, fueling resentment among citizens.

As Eswatini’s economic disparities grow, so do calls for systemic change. The stark contrast between King Mswati’s immense wealth and the daily struggles of ordinary Swazis highlights the urgent need for reforms that prioritize the people’s welfare over royal interests. Without meaningful action, the country risks further instability as frustration and inequality reach breaking points.