KING MSWATI ALLEGEDLY SPLASHES R10 MILLION ON ROYAL FAMILY AMID NATIONAL CRISIS

King Mswati III has allegedly distributed approximately R10 million to his close siblings, the children of the late King Sobhuza, as part of an annual grant. Reports indicate that each senior member of the royal family received R230,000, benefiting around 40 children of the late monarch.

One senior Prince, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the payments. “It’s true, we received R230,000 each about two weeks ago before the King traveled to Taiwan,” the Prince said.

When Swaziland News reached out for clarification, King Mswati’s Spokesperson Percy Simelane distanced the King’s Office from matters involving salaries and allowances. “We operate away from salaries, social grants, and allowances. Kindly take it up with the relevant finance institution or offices,” Simelane stated.

This lavish distribution comes at a time when Eswatini is grappling with severe financial and social crises. Public hospitals face chronic shortages of essential medicines, leaving many patients without critical care. The education sector is similarly underfunded, with institutions of higher learning struggling to operate due to a lack of functional equipment and resources. Meanwhile, ordinary Swazis continue to bear the brunt of these systemic failures, with little hope of relief.

Critics argue that the King’s alleged spending priorities reflect the growing disconnect between the monarchy and the plight of the nation. At a time when basic services are crumbling, the allocation of millions to royal family members underscores the deep inequalities perpetuated by the Tinkhundla system of governance. For many, the distribution of these funds serves as a glaring reminder of the monarchy’s preference for self-enrichment over addressing the needs of its citizens.

The health crisis, in particular, has drawn widespread condemnation, with patients often forced to purchase medicines from private pharmacies due to stockouts in public facilities. The education sector, a cornerstone for any nation’s future, is similarly in disarray, with students and educators alike calling for urgent intervention. Yet, instead of prioritizing these critical areas, public funds appear to be directed toward the personal enrichment of the royal family.

Pro-democracy movements and civil society organizations have been vocal in their criticism of the monarchy’s financial decisions. The People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) and other groups have long called for transparency and accountability in the management of state resources, arguing that the current system entrenches inequality and leaves ordinary citizens to fend for themselves.

The lavish grants also highlight the opaque nature of Eswatini’s financial governance, where significant expenditures can be made without public scrutiny or justification. Calls for greater oversight and reform of public spending have intensified, with activists demanding a more equitable distribution of resources to address the country’s pressing challenges.

For many Swazis, the revelation of these grants adds to a growing sense of frustration and disillusionment. The stark contrast between the opulence of the royal family and the struggles of ordinary citizens underscores the urgent need for systemic change in Eswatini. As the nation continues to grapple with its crises, the question remains: how long can the monarchy continue to prioritize its interests over those of the people?

The allocation of R10 million to royal family members may serve as yet another rallying point for the pro-democracy movement, which has gained momentum in recent years. As public discontent grows, the pressure on the monarchy to address the nation’s needs and embrace democratic reforms is likely to intensify. For the people of Eswatini, the fight for a fair and just society continues, even in the face of a system that seems determined to maintain the status quo.