Africa-Press – Eswatini. The year 2026 has been firmly etched into the history of the Kingdom of Eswatini as a moment of profound national reflection, celebration and renewed hope.
For the first time, the nation will jointly commemorate two milestones of immense significance: the 58th Birthday of His Majesty King Mswati III and the Ruby Jubilee, marking 40 years since his Coronation.
This historic dual celebration was officially confirmed on Monday, February 9, 2026, when Minister of Home Affairs, Her Royal Highness Princess Lindiwe, unveiled the official logo commemorating His Majesty’s 40-year reign. The announcement immediately set the tone for what promises to be a year-long national celebration, steeped in tradition, pride and unity.
Princess Lindiwe revealed that both the King’s Birthday and the Ruby Jubilee Coronation Anniversary celebrations would take place at Somhlolo National Stadium in Lobamba, within the Hhohho Region. Speaking during the launch of the logo, she invited all Emaswati, both within the country and in the diaspora, to fully participate in what she described as a once-in-a-generation moment.
“This is a year for reflection, gratitude and hope,” Princess Lindiwe said. “As a nation, we are called to look back at our journey over the past 40 years and, at the same time, look forward with optimism to the future of Eswatini.”
She further announced that the commemorative logo would be available to the public through the Communications Department of the Ministry of Home Affairs, encouraging institutions, businesses and individuals to adopt it as a symbol of national pride throughout the year.
The logo launch itself was held at the Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini, against the backdrop of a warm summer’s day, with temperatures rising to approximately 28 degrees Celsius. Despite the heat, the atmosphere was vibrant and celebratory, reflecting the importance of the occasion.
The event drew an impressive and diverse gathering, including princes such as Lizinyane Prince Sicalo, princesses including Hhohho Regional Administrator Princess Tsandzile, traditional leaders, cabinet ministers, regional administrators, legislators, captains of industry, senior government officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, and members of the public. Their presence underscored the national importance of the Ruby Jubilee celebrations.
From as early as 10:30am, guests began arriving at the venue, where they were warmly welcomed by ushers dressed in elegant traditional regalia. Many attendees also donned traditional attire, while others opted for formal Western wear, creating a colourful blend that reflected Eswatini’s rich cultural heritage and modern identity.
A red carpet guided guests into the venue, immediately making them feel honoured and valued. At the entrance, refreshments were thoughtfully arranged, offering guests a selection of sweetened beverages as well as bottled still and sparkling water. Soft jazz music filled the air, providing a relaxed yet dignified ambience as attendees mingled and exchanged greetings.
At precisely midday, Ministry of Home Affairs Principal Secretary, Nhlanhla Nxumalo, called the gathering to order, signalling the formal commencement of proceedings. The programme, which ran smoothly from 11am until after 1pm, reflected careful planning and attention to detail.
Bishop Sipho Tembe was invited to open the event with a prayer. In a candid and heartfelt address, he shared that he had only been informed of his role the previous day, after a demanding church service that involved spirited Zionist worship, including the traditional siguco dance. He spoke of the physical exhaustion brought on by the intense heat but noted that the moment called for spiritual reflection.
Bishop Tembe centred his message on the significance of the number 40, describing it as a number of transition, preparation and divine fulfilment. Drawing from Biblical history, he reminded the audience that Moses spent 40 years in Egypt, 40 years in the wilderness of Midian, and later led the Israelites through the wilderness for another 40 years. He also spoke of Moses spending 40 days and 40 nights on the mountain receiving the Ten Commandments, as well as Jesus Christ fasting for 40 days and nights before beginning his ministry.
“Forty is not just a number,” Bishop Tembe said. “It represents a shift from one level to another. As Eswatini marks 40 years of His Majesty’s reign, I believe a new spiritual dimension awaits our nation.”
Following the prayer, Princess Tsandzile took to the podium to officially welcome guests to the Hhohho Region. She expressed pride in hosting such a landmark occasion and praised His Majesty King Mswati III for consistently demonstrating love for his people through development-focused initiatives and empowerment funds aimed at improving the livelihoods of Emaswati.
She also called on the business community to seize the opportunity presented by the celebrations by offering services and support that would contribute to the success of the national events.
Princess Tsandzile further noted that the Ruby Jubilee logo would be used throughout the year, up to December 31, allowing the nation ample time to reflect on its history while embracing a shared sense of pride, identity and belonging.
The programme was briefly paused to allow Sagila SeMnikati to take the stage and perform Sibhaca. Their energetic and disciplined performance drew applause from the audience, despite the stage proving somewhat fragile for a dance traditionally performed on natural ground.
The highlight of the event came when Princess Lindiwe delivered her keynote address. She formally announced the date and venue of the national celebrations before unveiling the Ruby Jubilee logo. As the logo was revealed, the hall erupted into spontaneous cheers, ululations and applause. Guests rose to their feet, hailing His Majesty the King and breaking into song, dancing joyfully to the popular traditional anthem Halala.
For nearly 15 minutes, the venue transformed into a space of collective celebration, as attendees sang, danced, and captured the moment through photographs and videos of the newly unveiled logo.
The event concluded with a closing prayer, after which guests were treated to refreshments. Many took the opportunity to pose for photographs with Princess Lindiwe in front of the commemorative logo, marking the occasion before gradually dispersing.
As the gathering came to an end, one thing was clear: the unveiling of the Ruby Jubilee Coronation Anniversary logo had successfully ignited a spirit of unity, reflection and anticipation across the nation. Eswatini now looks ahead to a year of celebration, honouring four decades of leadership while reaffirming its collective commitment to the future under His Majesty King Mswati III.
