Jacob Zuma to grace Army Day
NOKWANE - Hardly 48 hours after South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the Kingdom of Eswatini, his predecessor, Jacob Zuma, will be in the country to grace the 51st Army Day celebration.
The former president of South Africa will attend the 51st Army Day together with former Botswana President Ian Khama. This was disclosed by Army Commander General (4 Star) Moses Mashikilisane Fakudze during theArmy Day’s final rehearsals, which were held at the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) Headquarters at Nokwane yesterday.
Statement
According to a statement issued by the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa to all media houses, President Ramaphosa visited Eswatini on Wednesday and he first paid a brief visit to the Queen Mother, before proceeding to meet with His Majesty the King at Lozitha Palace.
It stated that the two leaders affirmed their commitment to strong historical bonds between the two countries, including growing political and trade ties. It was also reported that the two heads of State also highlighted the historical success of collaboration between the two countries, where the two leaders collaborated to work together for a better future.
On the other hand, after the final rehearsals, the UEDF Public Affairs Officer 2nd Lieutenant Tengetile Khumalo informed the nation that, as the military force of the Kingdom of Eswatini, they would be celebrating their 51 years of existence. She said in these 51 years, the UEDF still maintained and was still loyal to the oath taken to protect and defend Their Majesties, the kingdom’s sovereignty and emaSwati.
“We have experienced various challenges, but worth noting are our success stories in aligning ourselves with the armies of the world,” the army spokesperson said.
She said going forward; they anticipated experiencing notable development progress within the military. She added that they prided themselves with the professionalisation of the army. Observably, yesterday’s programme included the display of various skills by the army, such as drill displays, battle drill attacks and cultural dances, which would be performed by the military’s various cultural groups.
Khumalo further reminded their guests to dress appropriately, as the event would be graced by the Commander-In-Chief, King Mswati III, Her Majesty the Queen Mother, diplomats and high-ranking government officials.
She also stressed that attendees of the event would be expected to have taken their seats by 8:45am in preparation for the arrival of Their Majesties and the start of the programme of the day. She emphasised that the nation is expected to display the respect that is expected of them.