King grants MP birthday wish

MANKAYANE – His Majesty has granted Phondo MP Bonginkhosi Dvuba his wish to have the King’s birthday held in Mankayane. The King’s birthday is on April 19. In November last year, during the introduction of MPs to the King, after the conclusion of the national general election, Dvuba raised the point of the King’s birthday being held in Mankayane. The MPs were each given three minutes to address the King.

When he addressed the King he said he felt intimidated, especially when he came face-to-face with him.

ACCEPTED

While still continuing to address the Ingwenyama, he said he later felt accepted, hence, he talked about the birthday celebration.

“It is no mean fit to stand up and speak to the King directly,” he said.

When contacted about the declared holiday, Dvuba was elated.

“It’s a very good start that His Majesty has chosen Mankayane as the host. It demonstrates how attentive he was to each and every submission. In his Speech from the Throne, he also gave a directive for the rehabilitation of roads within the rural areas. Sekhuta Lwandle,” Dvuba said.

Dvuba told this publication that the livelihood situation in Mankayane was a bleak one. He said there were many challenges. He said people needed job opportunities and that factory shells could draw investors to create jobs.

He also said many roads were still not tarred, making it hard even for the transport business to thrive. Dvuba said there was a challenge in accessing clean water. He also said there are currently no projects funded through the Rural Development Fund (RDF).

Dvuba said poverty was high in Mankayane, adding that the visitation by the King would create opportunities for businesses to make more sales on the day.