DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS 
                   P R E S S  R E L E A S E

                                             2330 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, Philippines                               Tel. No. 834-4000
 
SFA-AGR-004-08                                                                                                                                                 

PHILIPPINE AMBASSADOR VISITS THE KINGDOM OF SWAZILAND FOR THE INCWALA CEREMONY
 

 

4 January 2008 — Philippine Ambasssador to South Africa with concurrent jurisdiction to the Kingdom of Swaziland Virgilio A. Reyes, Jr. reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs on his visit to Swaziland on the invitation of His Majesty King Mswati III during the traditional Incwala ceremony from 26 to 27 December 2007.

 

This is one of two highly significant celebrations (the other being the Reed Dance in September) of the Swazi Kingdom binding the King to his people. Lasting about a week (to which the diplomatic corps was invited for the opening), the King, the Queen Mother (since this is a dyarchy) and the Cabinet are met by the King’s warriors in the presence of his people and foreign observers within the royal enclosure of the Palace. 

The members of the diplomatic corps are presented to His Majesty to greet him for the coming New Year.   In turn, the King in his royal regalia presents members of his family to the public amid much singing and dancing. In effect, it is the Swazi equivalent of the opening of Parliament by the Queen.   It is considered a good omen if it rains, which was the case during the afternoon of 26 December after the ceremony. 

 

 

The Ambassador was able to follow up with the Swazi authorities the proposed visit of the Swazi Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade to the Philippines as well as the Philippine candidature to the International Court of Justice. 

 

During this brief visit, Ambassador Reyes was also able to link up with the Filipino community in Mbabane, who work in various sectors of the Swazi economy such as garments and textiles.  According to some members, Philippine labor would be welcome in such fields as education and medical care.

 

Swaziland will celebrate its 40th year of Independence from the United Kingdom (whose protectorate it was) in 2008.  The landlocked kingdom neighboring South Africa is known for its stunning landscape as well as for the preservation of its age-old traditions.  END

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

/wingret
 

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