In a surprising move, King Mswati of Swaziland has opted for less extravagant vehicles during public appearances, responding to public criticism in a country where a significant portion of the population faces poverty.
This change follows a recent incident where the King arrived at an event in an older model Land Rover and, more recently, a BMW X5 'old model' for the Ngwane Teachers Training College graduation ceremony.
Public Outcry Over Royal Feet
King Mswati, an absolute monarch, has faced public scrutiny for his opulent lifestyle, particularly his ownership of a fleet of Rolls-Royce cars. The public outcry intensified when reports surfaced about the acquisition of these luxurious vehicles.
Approximately 70% of Swaziland's population lives below the poverty line, contributing to the sensitivity surrounding the King's lavish expenditures.
Modest Vehicle Choices
In a noticeable shift, the King has chosen to use more modest vehicles for official events. The recent use of an older model BMW X5 and a Land Rover contrasts with his usual fleet of extravagant cars. This change comes at a time when the public has expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived excesses of the monarchy, and the King seems to be responding to these concerns.
Ownership Clarification by Spokesperson
Percy Simelane, the King's spokesperson, clarified that the vehicles used by King Mswati are privately owned and not funded by public resources. He emphasized that any public outcry over privately purchased vehicles is misplaced, as government funds are only used for specific purposes like security vehicles and motorbikes for the King's security detail.
Topless Land Rover Usage
Simelane further explained that the topless Land Rover, which raised public attention, is primarily used by security to provide a more visible presence of the King during public appearances. He stressed that this arrangement is unrelated to any change of heart by the King regarding the use of his personal fleet.
Mixed Reactions from Civil Society
Emmanuel Ndlangamandla, former Executive Director of the Coordinating Assembly of Non-Governmental Organizations (CANGO), acknowledged the positive step taken by the King but expressed skepticism about claims of private ownership. While recognizing the difficulty of a head of state claiming private ownership, Ndlangamandla stated that leaders should show empathy for the impoverished population.
Conclusion:
In summary, King Mswati's decision to opt for more modest vehicles reflects a response to public criticism and a desire to align with the economic challenges faced by a significant portion of the population. However, opinions on the authenticity of private ownership claims remain divided among the public and civil society.
