PRESS RELEASE
MANKAYANE – The Ministry of Home Affairs, in partnership with Mankayane Town Board, hosted a Roadshow on 18 April 2026, as part of the national build-up to the commemoration of 40 years of His Majesty King Mswati III’s reign on the throne, which will be celebrated on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Somhlolo National Stadium.
The community came out in impressive numbers, turning the day into a lively celebration of unity, pride and patriotism in honour of this important national milestone. The strong turnout reflected the deep connection people have with the reign of His Majesty and the pride they feel in being part of the celebrations.
The event was full of life, with the Correctional Services Band setting the tone, drum majorettes from Mankayane High School adding excitement, and a cultural performance by Ngcoseni Central High School bringing colour and heritage to the occasion. The programme was kept lively and engaging by Master of Ceremonies Sandile Dlamini, popularly known as “Sweet Banana.”
The roadshow added fresh excitement to the national countdown with only 6 days remaining, and reflected a reign marked by legacy, excellence and impact.
Speaking during the event, Mlandvo Dlamini, Communications Officer from the Ministry of Home Affairs, thanked the people of Mankayane for their strong turnout and conveyed the Ministry’s message encouraging emaSwati to attend the national celebration.
“The Minister of Home Affairs, Princess Lindiwe Dlamini has called on emaSwati to come in their numbers to Somhlolo National Stadium to celebrate this historic milestone with His Majesty the King,” he said.
Manzini Regional Secretary Arnold Dlamini reflected on the significance of Mankayane within the Manzini Region, noting that it stands proudly among the region’s key towns.
“Mankayane stands proudly among the key towns of the Manzini Region, and as we celebrate His Majesty’s 40 years on the throne, we reaffirm our unity, strength and commitment to national development,” he said.
Representing the Mayor of Mankayane, Majaha Ngwenya said the town was pleased to be visited by the Ministry of Home Affairs, adding that it was important for smaller towns like Mankayane to also be recognised as part of the national celebrations.
“We are honoured as Mankayane to be part of this national programme, as it recognises even smaller towns and includes us in this important celebration,” he said.
The event also heard from Phondo Member of Parliament Bonginkosi Dube, who congratulated His Majesty King Mswati III on reaching 40 years on the throne and reflected on the visible development that has taken place under His Majesty’s leadership.
“We congratulate His Majesty on 40 years on the throne, and we have seen real development from gravel roads to improved infrastructure that is changing lives in our communities,” he said.
Dube noted that the improvement of roads in Mankayane and the construction of the service centre will help bring important services closer to the people, especially the elderly.
Meanwhile, Raymon Masilela from the Ministry of Home Affairs invited the public to attend the main national celebration at Somhlolo National Stadium and announced that buses would be available free of charge. He urged people to be ready by 6:00 AM so that departures can begin by 7:00 AM.
“We invite emaSwati to attend the national celebration at Somhlolo Stadium, with free transport provided, and we encourage everyone to be ready early to be part of this historic day,” he said.
Also addressing the gathering, Mankayane Station Commander Bongani Xaba called on transport operators to follow safety rules, especially those who will be carrying passengers to the national event.
“We urge all transport operators and the public to prioritise safety, follow the rules and report anything suspicious immediately to ensure a safe and successful national celebration,” he said.
Xaba encouraged operators to carry only the required number of passengers and urged the public to report suspicious activity without delay. He said such incidents can be reported directly to the Station Commander on +268 7611 1834.
The Mankayane Roadshow forms part of a nationwide series of activities aimed at building excitement, unity and public participation ahead of the commemoration of His Majesty King Mswati III’s 40 years on the throne.
The next roadshow will take place in Ezulwini, starting with a walk from Satellite to Corner Plaza.
