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Former president Jacob Zuma's daughter, Nomcebo Zuma, now the 16th wife of King Mswati III, recently took her first stride onto the international stage with a sparkling accessory worth R3.9 million. Making an appearance at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, the 21-year-old's Jacob & Co Epic X Tourbillon Baguette watch did not go unnoticed.
The luxurious timepiece, encrusted with diamonds, was but one of the emblems of wealth displayed on a state trip that has cast a spotlight on the financial priorities of Eswatini's monarchy. The young Inkhosikati's husband, the billionaire King Mswati III, is no stranger to opulence, having garnered attention for his sumptuous spending habits, including a jaw-dropping R16 million watch worn earlier this year.
The royal visit commenced in Italy at the World Food Forum and made its way to Serbia, where King Mswati generously donated R1 million to support university students from eSwatini, South Africa, and Burundi. Despite the benevolent gesture, the overarching expense of the royal delegation's trip has caused a stir, with estimated costs soaring above R200 million, including allowances and "pocket money" for the royal couple.
This grand display of wealth comes at a time when Eswatini, the last absolute monarchy in Africa, faces dire economic straits. About 70% of its citizens languish below the poverty line, while the country struggles under the weight of an educational and health crisis. Public hospitals are in dire need of medications, schools clamor for teachers and resources, and SME suppliers grapple with government payment delays, leading to widespread company closures and layoffs.
An inquiry into Nomcebo's watch by Swaziland News was met with a terse response from the king's spokesperson, Percy Simelane, emphasizing that wardrobes are financed privately. The entourage accompanying the couple reportedly included friends and relatives of Zuma’s daughter, brought along to mitigate any loneliness during the trip.
As Nomcebo steps into the limelight with her adorned wrist, many are left questioning the disparity between the royal family's spending and the plight of the Swazi people. The ongoing royal tour contrasts sharply with the daily reality of many in Eswatini, serving as a stark reminder of the chasm between the ruling elite and the nation's impoverished majority.