Africa-Press – Eswatini. His Majesty King Mswati III has paid tribute to Emaswati for standing united with the Crown over the past four decades, declaring that the strength of the monarchy lies in the people.
Opening the Third Session of the 12th Parliament on 20 February 2026, the King delivered a deeply reflective Speech from the Throne, marking 40 years since he ascended to the throne in 1986.
“A King is King by his people,” His Majesty said.
“You have demonstrated true patriotism as we walked through various highs and lows, faced diseases and challenges, and celebrated successes together.”
The King expressed appreciation to God Almighty, the nation’s ancestors and all Emaswati who have remained united throughout his reign.
“As we celebrate 40 years of my reign as the Monarch of the Kingdom, I wish to extend my appreciation to the Lord Almighty and our ancestors as well as all emaSwati who have stood by the King and remained united through the four decades of my reign,” he said.
A Call for Agape Love
Declaring 2026 a year of “Agape Love,” the King called on citizens to embrace unconditional and sacrificial love as a guiding principle for national life.
“As we enter 2026, let us be reminded that this is a year of Agape Love, which calls upon us to demonstrate the highest form of unconditional and sacrificial love,” he said.
He urged the nation to make a personal and collective commitment:
“Lord please grant me Agape Love.
May I love my neighbour unconditionally.
May I uphold respect and honour national interest and not self-interest at all times.
May I be found pleasing and honest in serving my country in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Four Decades of Progress
Reflecting on the journey since 1986, His Majesty noted the profound transformation Eswatini has undergone socially and economically.
“As the Monarch of the Kingdom, one recalls when I ascended to the throne in 1986, the social and economic landscape was far different from what it is today. We have undergone a profound transformation as a nation,” he said.
He highlighted major infrastructure developments, expanded social welfare programmes and significant improvements in quality of life.
“While our population has almost doubled since 1986, we are pleased that life expectancy has improved from 32 to 65 years,” the King said.
On the economy, he added: “The economy has also showed remarkable growth from a GDP of approximately E1.4 billion in 1986 to the current E95.2 billion.”
Most importantly, he credited peace and unity as the foundation of this progress.
“Most significantly, we have enjoyed prolonged peace and stability that has sustained our development,” he said.
Charting a Unique Path
The King also reflected on the country’s political evolution.
“Throughout the four decades our nation has been able to chart its own political path that gave birth to our Constitution and an electoral system that enjoys direct representation to Parliament through the Tinkhundla system of governance,” he said.
He commended citizens for their continued participation in national activities and traditional gatherings, describing this as a powerful demonstration of unity and nationhood.
Looking Ahead
While celebrating milestones, the King emphasized that the journey continues.
“These milestones are by no means the end of our journey. The country still has much to do and a long way to go towards fulfilling the aspirations of our First World vision,” he said.
He challenged the nation to work toward raising GDP per capita from E78 238 to E480 000, stressing the need to build a resilient economic foundation.
As Parliament begins its Third Session, the King’s message was clear: leadership and nationhood are inseparable.
“A King is King by his people,” he declared — a reminder that unity, love and shared responsibility remain at the heart of Eswatini’s continued progress.
