“I never thought, let alone believed, that I would one day interpret for His Majesty King Mswati III. It was never even something I prayed about because it had simply never crossed my mind.”
These were the heartfelt words of Tandzile Maziya, 32, of Mconcwane, who made history on Friday by becoming the first woman to interpret for His Majesty King Mswati III during the 18th Correctional Services Day held at the Correctional Staff College in Matsapha.
Speaking yesterday at Zakhele Free Evangelical Assemblies (FEA) Church, the soft-spoken Maziya reflected on her journey and the events that led to her historic assignment.
The fifth-born child in a family of 12 siblings, Maziya attended Mconcwane Primary School before proceeding to Kwezi Secondary and later completing her high school education at Mpompotha.
She furthered her studies at Good Shepherd Catholic College in 2012.
After graduating, she worked at Good Shepherd Catholic Hospital for four years before enrolling at Southern Africa Nazarene University (SANU) in 2018 to further her studies.
Upon completing her studies, she joined Lomahasha Clinic, where she is currently employed.
Maziya said she was shocked and humbled when she learnt that she had been entrusted with the responsibility of interpreting for the king.
“I was not expecting it at all. It came as a complete shock to me. I never thought, let alone believed, that I would one day interpret for His Majesty King Mswati III. That is why I had never even prayed about it,” she said.
Despite her surprise, Maziya said she was grateful that God gave her the strength and composure to execute the task successfully.
She revealed that she only learnt on the morning of the event that she would be interpreting for the king, a development that initially filled her with fear and anxiety.
“I was overwhelmed with fear when I received the news because it was something I had never anticipated,” she said.
However, she credited the support and encouragement she received from individuals who had previously undertaken similar responsibilities for helping her overcome her nerves.
Maziya specifically acknowledged the King’s Legal Advisor Ntsika Fakudze for providing words of encouragement that helped calm her before she stepped onto the stage.
“Before I stood up to interpret, Mr Fakudze gave me words of encouragement. His advice gave me confidence and helped me settle my nerves,” she said.
According to Maziya, the encouragement she received was so reassuring that her fears quickly disappeared.
“After receiving that support, my fears seemed to vanish completely. No one would have guessed that I had been so nervous beforehand,” she said.
She added that her faith also played a significant role in helping her remain calm under pressure.
“Although I did not get an opportunity to pray aloud, I said a silent prayer and trusted God to guide me through the assignment,” she said.
While Friday marked her first time interpreting for the king, Maziya is no stranger to the role of an interpreter.
She said she has previously interpreted for her senior pastor, Reverend Luke Shodi Msibi, whenever the opportunity arose during church services.
However, she noted that interpreting before Their Majesties during a national event was vastly different from speaking before a congregation.
“This was a completely different environment and a much bigger stage. In the past, I interpreted before congregants in church, but on Friday I was standing before Their Majesties during a national event,” she said.
She further noted that the occasion was made even more memorable by the fact that she had never before stood in the presence of His Majesty.
“That made the experience even more special and unforgettable,” she said.
Maziya expressed gratitude to the king for entrusting her with such a significant responsibility and affording her the opportunity to serve on such an important occasion.
“All I can say is, ‘Bayethe Wena Waphakathi,’” she said.
Offering advice to aspiring interpreters and young people pursuing their dreams, Maziya urged them to remain faithful and committed wherever they are, trusting that greater opportunities will come in due course.
“People should be faithful where God has placed them and not rush into the next stage before they are prepared for it. They should learn to be faithful in the little things, whether at home, at work or in their communities so that God can entrust them with greater responsibilities,” she said.
For Maziya, a moment she never imagined has become a defining chapter in her life, cementing her place in history and inspiring many young women across the country to pursue opportunities with faith, dedication and courage.
