King Mswati III’s R80 Million Shopping Spree Sparks Outrage
Natalie Nyathi
King Mswati III, the absolute monarch of Eswatini, is facing mounting criticism after reports surfaced that he has spent over R80 million in public funds to finance a lavish shopping trip for his wives. This extravagant expenditure comes at a time when Eswatini is grappling with a severe health crisis, characterized by drug shortages and struggling public services, igniting public anger and raising concerns about the government’s priorities.
According to reports, more than ten of King Mswati’s wives, accompanied by over seventy royal guards, embarked on a trip to Indonesia and Dubai on Friday afternoon. Each royal guard is said to be receiving R500,000 in travel allowances, while each queen (Inkhosikati) allegedly received over R3 million for shopping. The total cost, including allowances for personal assistants, security, and travel, is estimated to exceed R80 million. Flight tracking data indicates that the King’s private Airbus A340-313X was used to transport the royal party.
Among the wives confirmed to have traveled are Inkhosikati Nomcebo Hlalanani Zuma, Inkhosikati Siphelele Sicebile LaMashwama, and others. However, senior wives LaMatsebula and LaMotsa remained in Eswatini, attending a public event with the King.
The King’s spokesperson, Percy Simelane, has distanced the palace from the shopping trip, stating that his office deals with official state matters, not royal family affairs. He claimed to have no information regarding the travel, asserting that it does not fall under the category of official business.
This latest display of royal extravagance has been met with outrage in Eswatini, where a significant portion of the population lives in poverty. In recent years, a large percentage of the population has lived below the international poverty line, and many struggle to meet basic needs. King Mswati III’s net worth is estimated to be around $100 million, a figure that stands in stark contrast to the economic struggles of many of his subjects.
The timing of the shopping spree has further fueled public anger, as Eswatini’s healthcare system is currently facing a critical shortage of essential medicines and supplies. Parliamentarians have voiced concerns about the deteriorating health situation, with some alleging a deliberate attempt to collapse the health sector. Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has acknowledged the worsening health crisis and appealed to Parliament for support in addressing the issue.
According to reports, corruption is a significant problem in Eswatini, with Transparency International ranking the country poorly on its Corruption Perception Index. Recent surveys have revealed that a substantial majority of Emaswati believe that corruption has increased in the country over the past year. The government’s efforts to combat corruption have been widely criticized as ineffective.
The combination of royal extravagance, a struggling healthcare system, and widespread corruption has created a volatile situation in Eswatini. Calls for democratic reforms and greater accountability are growing louder, as citizens demand that their leaders prioritize the needs of the people over personal enrichment. The King’s latest spending spree is likely to further intensify social unrest and calls for change in the Kingdom.
