By Celani Sikhakhane
- The Eswatini leader bragged about bringing free primary schools and changing labour rules during a Friday stadium rally this week.
- The absolute monarch held a glamorous family birthday party earlier this week while political opponents push for new democratic elections.
King Mswati III used his 40-year throne celebration at Somhlola Stadium to paint a picture of success. The Eswatini leader praised his rule on Friday and pushed back against years of political anger from his opponents.
The monarch bragged about bringing free primary education to the country. He told the crowd that he opened doors for his people and created policies to help workers.
King Mswati is the head of the Swazi royal family and the last absolute monarch in Africa. He holds total political power, can veto any government decision and is immune from prosecution.
The leader was born on 19 April 1968. He celebrated his 58th birthday on Friday. He spent the week before the stadium event throwing a glamorous birthday party with his family.
People shared interesting history about the king during the celebrations. Supporters posted old photographs on social media this week.
The pictures showed a young King Mswati spending time with Britain’s King Charles III in the 1980s.
But the king faces loud calls for change and often makes global news for the wrong reasons. The People’s United Democratic Movement wants to tear down his absolute power.
The opposition group is fighting for multi-party democracy in Eswatini. The government accuses the group of using protests and militant action to fight the royal family.
Pictured above: King Mswati III celebrates his 40-year rule at a stadium in Eswatini.
Image source: The Kingdom of Eswatini
