His Majesty King Mswati III has called for the acceleration of programmes aimed at achieving food security through the processing and manufacturing of locally produced food, saying the country must strive to feed itself and create employment opportunities through agriculture.
He was speaking yesterday at Ngabezweni during the dispersal of libutfo which had spent the past few weeks harvesting crops from the Mfabantfu Royal Fields.
His Majesty said the country was making progress towards self-sufficiency in food production and should now focus on preserving and processing its harvest to ensure long-term sustainability.
According to the king, increasing food production and strengthening food processing industries would not only guarantee food security, but also stimulate economic growth and create jobs for locals.
“Harvesting these fields comes at a time when the country is making progress towards feeding itself through food produced within its own borders. A country that has enough food creates employment opportunities because the food can be processed and manufactured locally. We want a situation where food produced locally is sufficient to feed the entire nation and even neighbouring countries,” the king said.
He emphasised that food security should ensure that no citizen goes to bed hungry.
He said the nation must work together to maximise agricultural production and support efforts aimed at preserving food for longer periods.
His Majesty further encouraged citizens to revive the spirit of ubuntu, saying communities should continue caring for one another regardless of family ties or personal relations.
He said in the past, people demonstrated compassion and solidarity by sharing whatever little they had with neighbours and community members.
Drawing from traditional practices, the King recalled how a single piece of meat would be shared among many people in a homestead or community.
“Kwakulunyiswanalicatsasize sifike kubo 10 kuya kubo 20,” said the king, referring to the practice where a piece of meat could be shared among between 10 and 20 people.
However, he noted that times had changed and modern lifestyles had affected some of the communal values that once defined society.
He said there were now concerns about diseases being transmitted through food, which had contributed to the decline of some traditional sharing practices.
Despite these changes, the king urged citizens not to lose the values of compassion, unity and mutual support that had sustained communities for generations.
He further commended the nation for preserving and promoting culture, saying cultural values remained an important part of the country’s identity.
He encouraged citizens to continue practising and safeguarding cultural traditions so that future generations could inherit and appreciate them.
“We must continue to uphold our culture and pass it on to future generations. It is important that our children and grandchildren understand where they come from and appreciate the values that have shaped our nation,” he said.
His Majesty also praised libutfo for their commitment and dedication during harvesting.
He noted that despite the cold winter temperatures experienced in recent weeks, large numbers of young men turned up and worked enthusiastically in the royal fields.
The king said their participation demonstrated patriotism, discipline and a willingness to contribute towards national development.
He further encouraged citizens to continue practising lilima, the traditional system through which community members assist one another with agricultural work without expecting payment.
According to the king, lilima remains an important cultural practice that strengthens social bonds while helping communities complete farming activities efficiently.
He added that timely harvesting was particularly important during the current cold season, as prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions could damage crops and lead to food losses.
“Working together helps ensure that harvests are brought in on time and preserved properly. This reduces the risk of food spoilage caused by adverse weather conditions,” he said.
Meanwhile, Indvuna Finyeza Mncina delivered a message from His Majesty regarding the conduct of libutfo after the harvesting exercise.
Mncina instructed the young men not to assemble in lines or queues, but instead proceed directly to their designated eating areas, noting that injobo had not yet been formally dispersed.
“Injobo isengakacitfwamajaha futsi tindvuna tinibeka kahle enkhosini uma nihlonipha,” said Mncina.
The harvesting programme forms part of ongoing efforts to promote agricultural productivity and food security, while also preserving cultural practices that encourage unity, cooperation and community development.
