Africa-Press – Eswatini. EmaSwati came together in a moving ceremony to honour the brave men and women who gave their lives during the Second World Wars in the fight for peace and freedom. The Remembrance Day Service was held at the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) Headquarters in Nokwane, where the nation paid heartfelt tribute to its fallen heroes.
Former Prime Minister and Managing Director of Tibiyo TakaNgwane, His Excellency Absalom Themba Dlamini, represented His Majesty King Mswati III and led the wreath-laying ceremony. He was joined by the Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, who laid wreaths on behalf of both the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister.
Heads of foreign missions from South Africa, Taiwan, and Britain also joined the nation in remembrance, together with senior officials from Eswatini’s security forces and the general public.
Those who laid wreaths included National Commissioner of Police Manoma Masango, UEDF Commander Mashikilisane Fakudze, Correctional Services Commissioner General Phindile Dlamini, and Fire and Emergency Chief Officer Luke Lushaba. Former Army Commanders Lieutenant General Sobantu Dlamini and Lieutenant General Jeffery Shabalala were also in attendance.
This year’s ceremony carried deep emotion as it marked the first Remembrance Service without any surviving Umsizi veterans. These men once served courageously under the African Auxiliary Pioneer Corps, fighting in places such as Egypt, Libya, and Italy. Their bravery under harsh wartime conditions helped lay the foundation for the peace Eswatini enjoys today.
As the national flag flew at half-mast, platoons from the Police Service, Correctional Service, Scouts, and Brigades anchored the UEDF Guard of Honour. A combined band from the three security forces played solemn music as wreaths were laid at exactly 11:11 AM, the same hour, day, and month that marked the end of World War I in 1918, when the guns finally went silent.
Why 11:11 Matters
At 11 AM on 11 November 1918, the Armistice Agreement was signed between the Allied Forces and Germany, marking the end of World War I. The precise timing, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, became a symbol of peace around the world.
Since then, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month has become a global symbol of peace. Every year, people pause at 11:11 AM to remember those who gave their lives for freedom. In Nokwane, this moment is honoured through wreath-laying, reflection, and prayer for the fallen heroes.
The ceremony also served as a call to younger generations to keep the spirit of remembrance alive. Dignitaries urged Emaswati to continue celebrating the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism of those who fought for peace.
Remembrance Day, held each year on the Sunday closest to 11 November, allows the nation to pause and reflect on the cost of freedom. It is a day that reminds all Emaswati that peace was hard-won, and must always be protected.
As the final note of the national anthem echoed through Nokwane, silence filled the air, a silence heavy with pride, respect, and gratitude for Eswatini’s fallen heroes who will never be forgotten.
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