NHLANGANO (27 April 2025): King Mswati 3 who turned 57 on the 19th April 2025 celebrated his birthday with thousands of emaSwati who joined him at the King Sobhuza ll Stadium in Nhlangano.
Friends and relatives also travelled to wish the King Happy Birthday. Among these, were former South Africa President Jacob Zuma. He is a close friend of the King and last year, became the King’s father-in-law after Mswati married his 21-year-old daughter, Nomcebo.
Also visiting, was Joseph Kabila, former President of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kabila, in his private capacity has been a regular visitor to Eswatini since stepping down as president and pursuing studies at the University of Johannesburg.
A friend of long standing is President Ian Khama. He has been a regular feature of all Eswatini events since stepping down as President of Botswana. Khama, whose father Sir Seretse Khama was a peer of King Mswati’s father Sobhuza ll and partners in the High Commission Territories prior to independence.
Though the King’s Birthday falls on the 19th, it was celebrated on the 25th to make way for the Easter holidays and also mark the National Flag Raising Day on the 25th April.
jm/27.04.2025
