Africa-Press – Eswatini. International religious leaders have declared that Eswatini will receive major investors in 2026, bringing large-scale businesses and job opportunities for citizens.
This proclamation was delivered during the 2025 Year-End Thanksgiving Prayer Service held on Saturday at Mandvulo Grand Hall in Lozitha Palace, attended by thousands of worshippers, clergy and dignitaries.
Swiss-based Apostle John Seko of the New International Church told the congregation that he foresaw “serious investors” arriving in the Kingdom next year. He said he had seen the King sending trusted representatives to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland in 2026, where they would secure high-level investors who would later establish job-creating enterprises in Eswatini.
The prophecy followed an address by American pastor John Mark Burns, known as a spiritual adviser to United States President Donald Trump. Burns declared that “doors would be open for Eswatini”, adding that trillions of US dollars would flow into the country.
He claimed that wherever he preached, national circumstances usually changed, citing Ukraine as an example where, according to him, American attention increased after he prayed for the country during its conflict with Russia.
Royal Appreciation
His Majesty the King expressed gratitude to all local and international pastors who delivered sermons and prophecies throughout the event. He said he believed the declarations because he trusted in God and valued spiritual guidance for the nation.
The Mandvulo Grand Hall was packed to capacity, with a spill-over tent accommodating additional worshippers who followed proceedings on a large screen.
By 10am, more crowds had gathered outside the palace gates. By midday, ministers, judges, members of the King’s advisory councils, regional administrators and traditional leaders had taken their seats inside the hall.
Formal Programme and Early Sermons
A praise team maintained a lively atmosphere ahead of the official programme. The event formally began at 1:30pm, led by Programme Director Pastor Madudu Mabuza.
Her Majesty the Indlovukazi entered the hall at 1:45pm followed by customary greetings. At that time, Emakhosikati to His Majesty had arrived.
Moments later, Mabuza asked those who had brought gifts for Their Majesties to present them outside the hall.
The King entered at 2:05pm, accompanied by members of the Royal Family, security officials, and former presidents Ian Khama of Botswana and Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo. After greetings, the national anthem was sung, followed by a hymn titled Wenhliziyo. Reverend Sipho Tembe, the EBC Deputy Chairperson, then led the opening prayer.
Mabuza told the King he found it difficult to identify other nations where national leadership encouraged the population to praise God publicly. He then read the theme of the event, based on Psalms: “Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvellous things.”
The first sermon came from Pastor Mandlenkhosi Welcome Gwebu, who admitted to feeling overwhelmed preaching before the King. He said the theme was appropriate but warned that many people failed to return to God in gratitude after receiving help. Using Genesis 41:51–52, he declared fruitfulness over the nation, comparing it to Joseph’s prosperity amid hardship.
Praise, Music and High Spirits
Gospel artist Nothando Hlophe then performed her hit song Empini, which brought the audience—including Their Majesties, Emakhosikati, Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, and Pastor Burns—to their feet. The hall erupted into dancing and celebration, mirrored also in the spill-over tent outside.
At 3pm, Pastor Grace Mavimbela preached from the book of John. Her message lifted the spiritual atmosphere noticeably, with people praying passionately. Mabuza later remarked that even the American guest, who did not understand SiSwati, seemed spiritually moved.
Reverend S. Simelane followed with a sermon on King Jehoshaphat from 2 Chronicles, emphasising trust in God during danger. He recalled that Jehoshaphat lacked trained soldiers but triumphed by relying on God. He urged Emaswati to do the same and expressed gratitude to the King for allowing him to preach.
During a light moment, Pastor Mabuza mentioned he had forgotten to introduce himself earlier, explaining that he was from Mafutseni under Chief Ngalonkhulu Mabuza and leader of a church in Mlindazwe (Siteki), under Chief Jozane Maziya. He then formally introduced Pastor Burns.
Burns’ Testimony and Prophecies
Burns gave a spirited sermon, confirming his role as Trump’s spiritual adviser and thanking Their Majesties for hosting him. He remarked that the King reminded him of Trump’s confidence. Burns shared an anecdote about killing a spider that crawled out of Trump’s hair in the Oval Office. He said he hit the President’s back to kill the spider, joking that he would never attempt such an action with the King due to security.
He told worshippers that God had lifted him from poverty to close proximity with world leaders and said God could do the same for Emaswati. He narrated the story of swimmer Penny Sheppard, who broke her spine but completed a marathon 13 years later. Burns said she had “won at the starting point” by choosing to participate, emphasising that with God anything was possible.
Before concluding, Burns said he had preached in Switzerland and believed doors opened for that country afterwards.
Apostle Seko’s Prophecy and Further Worship
Burns then handed over to Apostle John Seko, who delivered the prophecy that serious investors would come to Eswatini in 2026, secured through the King’s emissaries at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
South African gospel star Sindi Ntombela, dressed in Lutsango attire, later performed and expressed gratitude to her fellow gospel star Nothando Hlophe for helping her prepare.
A praise team song followed before the Prime Minister took the podium to introduce the Indlovukazi. He thanked Their Majesties for maintaining peace in the country and said the United Nations and African Union had engaged Eswatini in key structures because of the Kingdom’s stability and focus on sustainable development.
Indlovukazi’s Message
Her Majesty the Indlovukazi addressed the nation with interpretation by Sihle Dlamini. She thanked all pastors and participants, urging the nation to put the preached messages into practice, warning that ignoring God’s teachings could be harmful. She referred to the Book of Revelation, which calls believers to holiness.
She retold the biblical story of Zachariah and Elizabeth, highlighting faith and patience. She also shared a cautionary tale about a pastor’s wife who sought powers outside God and faced tragic consequences. She closed by urging humility and honesty in spiritual matters.
The King’s Sermon and Closing
After another performance by Ntombela, the Prime Minister introduced the King. As His Majesty took the podium at 6:25pm, the hall erupted with praise singing and ululation. Preaching with interpretation by Sihle Dlamini, the King urged the nation to trust in God and frequently sang the hymn Wahamba nathi, joined by the packed audience.
The event ended around 7pm, after the national anthem. Indvuna Themba Ginindza informed worshippers that they would receive food courtesy of the King.
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