Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu in Mbabane, Eswatini
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa is today expected to officially open the Eswatini International Trade Fair, which coincides with the country’s 57th National Day celebrations.
During his State Visit, the President will tour exhibition stands before presiding over the official opening of the trade fair, which is running under the theme “Digital Transformation 2.0: Creating Business Networks.”
In an interview yesterday, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Eswatini, Victor Matemadanda, said President Mnangagwa will also officiate at the Umhlanga ceremony — one of the kingdom’s most celebrated cultural festivals.
“The President will officially open the Eswatini International Trade Fair and also officiate at the Umhlanga dance, which runs from the 7th to the 8th of September. In diplomatic cycles, we last held these bi-national, joint commissions in 1996. So we are looking forward to the resuscitation of them,” said Ambassador Matemadanda.
President Mnangagwa arrived in Mbabane last night and was received at King Mswati III International Airport by Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini. Later, King Mswati III hosted a State banquet in his honour.
The Eswatini International Trade Fair and the Umhlanga festival form part of the country’s National Day commemorations. Eswatini National Day, also known as Somhlolo Day, is celebrated on September 6 to commemorate the country’s independence from British colonial rule in 1968.
Named after King Sobhuza I, known as “Somhlolo” (The Wonder), the day features traditional dances, songs and community festivities showcasing Swazi cultural heritage. King Mswati III, the Queen Mother (Indlovukazi), and members of the royal family preside over the celebrations.
Eswatini is one of the world’s last remaining absolute monarchies, where the King plays a central role in both politics and culture and the National Day is one of the occasions where this is most visible.
President Mnangagwa is accompanied by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira, and Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu, among other senior Government officials.
Bongani Ndlovu