Africa-Press – Eswatini. It is now all systems go for the State Opening of the Third Session of the 12th Parliament, scheduled to take place this Friday.
Almost all necessary preparations have been completed, with only a few final arrangements to be concluded on Thursday, 19 February 2026. The second and final rehearsals were conducted on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, to assess the readiness of the event.
Rehearsals began at 10am and concluded at around 1pm. Proceedings commenced with the arrival of the Guard of Honour at the arena in front of the Parliament building. The contingent marched to the front of the building, accompanied by a military band whose performance added ceremonial flair to the occasion, momentarily distracting from the heat experienced by those present. Temperatures reached a maximum of around 28°C under partly cloudy skies.
Once the Guard of Honour had taken its position, Her Majesty the Indlovukazi’s representative entered the arena. As usual, Her Majesty the Indlovukazi was represented by Parliament’s Lady Usher, Tsiteni Cindzi. Upon alighting from her vehicle, she was accorded a salute by members of the country’s security services, including the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF), the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) and His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS).
She then joined senior officials, including Clerk to Parliament Benedict Xaba, Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini, House of Assembly Speaker Jabulani Mabuza and Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini.
The national anthem was sung, after which she was allowed into the House of Assembly chamber by Sergeant-at-Arms Siboniso ‘Saviva’ Mkhonta. The chamber was filled with government officials from various ministries and departments.
A few minutes later, a motorcade carrying His Majesty King Mswati III’s representative arrived. As usual, His Majesty the King was represented by Parliament’s Second Clerk at the Table, Mathokoza Dlamini. Both representatives were neatly dressed in traditional siSwati regalia, reflecting the significance of their roles, as they represented the country’s highest authorities.
Mathokoza Dlamini alighted from his vehicle and followed the same protocol. The national anthem was sung for the King’s representative, though it was paused midway to allow the Sergeant-at-Arms to open the entrance for him into the chamber. Once he had taken his position, the remainder of the anthem was sung.
Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini greeted Their Majesties’ representatives and invited the sharing of the Word of God. After the prayer, she delivered her address before calling upon Mathokoza Dlamini to present his speech as the King’s representative, which he duly delivered to a packed chamber.
Thereafter, the representatives exited the chamber in accordance with established protocol. Clerk to Parliament Benedict Xaba then presided over a subsequent meeting.
During the meeting, stakeholders including the Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC), the Royal Eswatini Police Service and the Ministry of Health assured the nation of their readiness to ensure the smooth running of the event. Weather forecasts also indicate favourable conditions, with minimal chances of rain.
The Prime Minister, Senate President and Speaker expressed their appreciation to all stakeholders for their commitment during the preparatory stages and urged continued collaboration to ensure the success of the State Opening.
