King Mswati's upcoming overseas trip with his new wife, Inkhosikati Nomcebo Zuma, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, is estimated to cost taxpayers over R200 million.
According to the eSwatini-based publication, Swaziland News, the costs include allowances for the delegation that will be accompanying the king, flying costs for the private jet, and spending money for King and his new 21-year-old wife.
The publication added that the King Mswati left the country on Sunday, and will be attending the World Food Forum in held in Italy. He will then proceed to Serbia for a State visit before attending the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa.
Meanwhile, the King’s spokesperson, Percy Simelane, told the publication that his office was not responsible for finances or allowances for the King and his delegation, and referred comments to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The publication said efforts to get hold of Foreign Affairs Minister, Pholile Dlamini-Shakantu, who is also part of the King’s delegation, were unsuccessful.
Furthermore, the publication said it was alleged that Zuma’s daughter included her friends and relatives in the delegation.
But insiders said Zuma’s side of the family was allegedly included so that the new young wife cannot feel lonely throughout the trip.
In July, it was reported that Zuma’s daughter was asked for her hand in marriage by the King of eSwatini.
Nomcebo’s mother is a businesswoman identified only as MaMhlongo.
During the early stages, a delegation made up of senior members of eSwatini and Zulu Royal families visited Zuma’s homestead in Nkandla and presented 10 cattle as part of “kucela” customary practice.
According to The Mercury, a source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said King Mswati had first seen Nomcebo during celebrations called 55-55 that were held last year.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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