Africa-Press – Eswatini. His Majesty King Mswati III has told the 50 newly-installed chiefs to always be respectful and put interests of the people before theirs.
The chiefs included six from South Africa, three tindvuna and king of the Mamba clan.
Addressing the chiefs, the king said by virtue of the fact that he blesses loyal and active leaders, all the people who had been endorsed should lead by example and emulate the same respect that he exhibits to the people of Eswatini and beyond.
“Do not lose respect and be ‘emabhova’ (bull terriers) because being emabhova does not end well. Being emabhova ends painfully. As Emaswati we should not encourage being libhova, we must encourage respect among Emaswati.
However, if someone comes as libhova, you should be libhova as well,” said the king during his address at Ngabezweni Royal Residence last night.
He acknowledged that it had been a long period before chiefs were blessed to the extent that effective development was hindered by the absence of leaders who guide the chiefdom on behalf of the king and ensure that projects get implemented effectively.
His Majesty said subjects would at times be confused by the lack of knowledge as to who was the rightful leader whom they need to take orders from.
He instructed chiefs and tindvuna to teach their subjects respect because Their Majesties, princes, chiefs and all structures also respect the people as well.
Applaud
The king went on to applaud the newly-installed leaders and urged them to also uphold Eswatini traditions for future generations.
He further instructed the chiefs to undertake development within their jurisdictions in an orderly manner, adding that land reserved for development, grazing and homesteads ought to be respected against all odds.
“Chiefs must cross-check whether there will be no repercussions in the long-term before structures get erected,” he ordered.
He also called upon chiefs to take care of the elderly and orphans within their chiefdoms.
The king said the installation of chiefs from South Africa was a sign that Emaswati extend beyond local borders except for the fact that they found themselves located in that country during demarcation.
Her Majesty the Indlovukazi also shared similar sentiments with regards to respect when she also blessed the chiefs and tindvuna at Ludzidzini Royal Residence earlier in the day.
The Indlovukazi also strongly urged all incoming leaders to show utmost respect for the people.
She implored the chiefs to first respect themselves in order to be respected in return by their subjects.
Indlovukazi said the people should not get to the point where they start to regret being blessed by a leader who does not put the interests of the people first before theirs.
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