As Eswatini battles a growing health crisis and public sector collapse, King Mswati III has come under fire for authorizing a lavish overseas shopping trip for his ten wives costing taxpayers over R80 million.
According to an investigation by Swaziland News, the royal entourage recently flew to Indonesia and Dubai aboard the monarch’s private jet, accompanied by over 70 royal guards. Each guard is expected to receive a staggering R500,000 in travel allowances, while each wife was reportedly given over R3 million in personal spending funds.
The shopping trip has raised serious concerns, especially as hospitals across Eswatini report life-threatening shortages of basic drugs and medical supplies. The public health system, already overwhelmed, continues to deteriorate while royal extravagance appears unchecked.
Among the queens listed in the leaked itinerary are Inkhosikati Nomcebo Hlalanani Zuma and Inkhosikati Siphelele Sicebile LaMashwama. Notably, two senior wives LaMatsebula and LaMotsa did not take part in the shopping trip. Instead, they were seen accompanying the king at the Eswatini National Provident Fund’s 50th anniversary on the same day.
Adding to the controversy, Queen Nomcebo had just returned from South Africa (June 19 to July 4), reportedly with the assistance of a royal delegation sent by the king himself.
When approached by the media, the king’s spokesperson Percy Simelane claimed he had no official knowledge of the trip, stating: “Family shopping does not fall under official business.”
Critics argue this response underscores a lack of transparency and growing disregard for the suffering of ordinary citizens.
