Africa-Press – Eswatini. His Majesty King Mswati III has endorsed Friday, February 20, 2026, as the date for the State Opening of the Third Session of the 12th Parliament of Eswatini.
This was revealed on Friday, February 13, 2026, during a press conference convened by Parliament of Eswatini at the Parliament Conference Room in Lobamba. The announcement was made by House of Assembly Speaker Jabulani Mabuza, who assured the nation that preparations for this year’s State Opening of Parliament were progressing well.
Mabuza described the 2026 State Opening as both unique and momentous, noting that it coincides with the 40th anniversary of His Majesty King Mswati III’s reign, following his coronation on April 25, 1986. He explained that the occasion, marked by the Speech from the Throne, formally signals the resumption of parliamentary business and outlines Government’s policy direction for the year ahead.
In preparation for the event, Mabuza said Parliament held its first preparatory stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. This was followed by a second meeting and the first full rehearsal on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, which he said were successfully conducted. A second rehearsal and third stakeholders’ meeting are scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026, to ensure that all logistical and ceremonial arrangements are finalised smoothly.
The Speaker urged all invited guests to carry their invitation cards, which will be required for entry into the precincts. Guests will also be required to sit in designated areas according to the colour coding on their invitation cards, with ushers on hand to assist. Officials from the Ministry of Health will be stationed within the parliamentary precincts to attend to any medical emergencies.
Members of the public who are unwell have been encouraged to follow the proceedings through official traditional and social media platforms. Those attending in person were reminded to observe the appropriate dress code, which is either formal Western attire or traditional siSwati dress (imvunulo).
All media personnel, both print and broadcast, are required to be accredited through the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) and must remain within their designated areas. Media practitioners were advised to dress formally. Television camera operators were instructed to set up and test their equipment well in advance, including microphones and sound systems, in coordination with the Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Service technical team.
Journalists and photographers assigned to the parliamentary chamber will be guided accordingly. Media practitioners were further urged not to conduct interviews with legislators while proceeding to the marquee, in order to avoid congestion at the entrance — a challenge experienced during last year’s event.
Mabuza emphasised that emaSwati are internationally recognised for their respect and decorum, and called on all attendees to uphold these values. Legislators have been requested to be seated in the House of Assembly by 10:00am.
The proceedings will be broadcast live by Eswatini Television and EBIS, including coverage from the soon-to-be-launched Parliament Studio. Live streaming will also be available via Parliament’s official social media platforms. Local and international dignitaries will receive livestreaming links through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Traffic control and security arrangements will be managed by the Royal Eswatini Police Service, while parking stickers will guide attendees to designated parking areas.
Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini, echoed Mabuza’s remarks and stressed the importance of respect and order during the event. She expressed gratitude to His Majesty for endorsing the date and appealed to members of the public to adhere strictly to directions given by parliamentary officials.
She reminded attendees to observe proper conduct during the singing of the national anthem, describing it as a prayer for the nation. She also cautioned against leaving the venue before Their Majesties have departed, noting that doing so contravenes Eswatini law and custom.
“It is better not to attend an event to which one has been invited by Their Majesties than to leave while They are still present,” she said, adding that all seats and designated areas should remain occupied until Their Majesties have exited.
The press conference was directed by Benedict Xaba, Clerk to Parliament, and was attended by Savannah Maziya, Minister of ICT; Andreas Dlamini, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of ICT; Mlamuli Dlamini, Eswatini TV Chief Executive Officer; Sabelo Dlamini, EBIS Director; as well as parliamentary staff and representatives from various media houses.
