Africa-Press – Eswatini. Eswatini Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), H.E. Almon Mahlaba Mamba, has congratulated King Mswati III on marking 40 years on the throne, praising his leadership and commitment to peace, stability and inclusive governance.
Speaking in an interview with Eswatini TV on April6,2026, Ambassador Mamba commended His Majesty’s political wisdom, saying Eswatini continues to stand out as a model for peaceful conflict resolution and governance, with other organisations across the world drawing lessons from the country.
He highlighted the evolution of the Tinkhundla system under the King’s reign, noting that when His Majesty ascended to the throne in 1986, there were 40 Tinkhundla centres, which later increased to 59. He said this expansion enhanced representation and brought governance closer to the people.
Ambassador Mamba further pointed to key reforms introduced under the King’s leadership, including the adoption of direct elections in 1992, where Emaswati began electing Members of Parliament, Indvuna yeNkhundla and Bucopho. He also noted the introduction of the secret ballot, replacing the traditional open voting system, as a significant step towards strengthening electoral processes.
He said His Majesty demonstrated inclusivity by commissioning national consultations to gather citizens’ views on governance. In 1991, a delegation led by Prince Masitsela was tasked with collecting views from Emaswati, followed by a second phase led by Prince Mahlalengangeni through the Tinkhundla Review Commission.
“The outcome of these consultations contributed to the development of the 2005 Constitution, which formalised the Tinkhundla system as a model of governance that blends tradition and modern democracy,” said Ambassador Mamba.
He added that the King embraced recommendations from the people, including reforms in the Senate, where elected members were introduced to complement those appointed by the monarch, increasing the total number of Senators from 20 to 30, with 10 elected by the people.
Ambassador Mamba also highlighted the decentralisation of services through Tinkhundla centres, describing them as one-stop service hubs that have improved access to government services in rural communities. He said development funds such as the Regional Development Fund and Community Poverty Reduction initiatives have empowered constituencies to implement infrastructure projects.
On social development, he said the country has recorded notable progress in the health sector under His Majesty’s leadership. He noted that life expectancy has significantly improved from 32 years in 1986 to about 65 years in 2026.
He further commended Eswatini’s response to HIV/AIDS, stating that the country achieved the global 95-95-95 targets, positioning it among leading nations in combating the pandemic.
Ambassador Mamba also cited investments in emergency services, including the strengthening of the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, which has supported the construction of clinics and provision of ambulances across the country.
Touching on culture, he said national events such as the Incwala Ceremony continue to unite the nation, with government support ensuring accessibility for citizens across the country.
At the continental level, Ambassador Mamba said the African Union has drawn valuable lessons from Eswatini’s governance model, particularly the integration of traditional leadership with modern state systems.
“Eswatini has become a point of reference on how tradition and modern governance can coexist to maintain peace and stability,” he said.
He concluded by congratulating His Majesty on the 40-year milestone, describing his reign as one marked by unity, development and peace.
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