The Swazi Observer, a newspaper in effect owned by King Mswati III, got
a little over-excited in its reporting of its patron and the Reed Dance.
On Monday (29 August 2016)
it gushed that the King, who rules the tiny kingdom as sub-Saharan Africa’s
last absolute monarch, gave many of the maidens who danced before him
half-naked new sneakers.
The Observer reported, ‘His Majesty the King, yet again, spoiled
maidens with comfortable sneakers - not only to be worn for walks but one could
even dress smartly on a casual Friday and still look absolutely fantastic in
them.
‘The maidens, too, wasted
no time, as soon as the sneakers reached their hands they put them on and were
quick to comment saying “kute umuntfu lositsandza njengeNgwenyama” loosely
translated “no one loves us more the King”.’
The editors at the Swazi
Observer have short memories. On 24 August 2016 the newspaper reported the Taiwan Embassy in Swaziland had donated more
than 60,000 pairs of sneakers worth E7 million (about US$500,00) to Reed Dance
organisers.
Thomas Chen, the Taiwan
Ambassador in Swaziland, was reported saying, ‘This is just a token to show our
support for the Swazi culture as it is unique, beautiful and it is what makes
the country shine and rise above the rest.’
See also
DISPUTE OVER REED DANCE SAFETY
SWAZI
MAIDENS LEARN POLITICAL SONGS
http://swazimedia.blogspot.com/2016/08/swazi-maidens-learn-political-songs.html
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