New airport launch: a true First World affair
08/03/2014
The launch of the King Mswati III International Airport, formerly Sikhuphe, was an event of true first world status from the welcoming of the arrivals to the dramatic end.
The launch of the King Mswati III International Airport, formerly Sikhuphe, was an event of true first world status from the welcoming of the arrivals to the dramatic end.
People came to the auspicious occasion dressed to the nines and started arriving as early as 7 am for an event that was meant to start after 9am. The event started off with a powerful prayer by Pastor Robert Kasaro, which was more of a prophecy of the good things to befall the nation now that the airport has been launched.
He said it would be convenient to foreign investors who would be interested in investing in country. As though complementing history that was made yesterday, the rains that have been witnessed in the country over the past days were no where to be seen yesterday and the skies cleared. The excitement of the throngs of people who attended the event could not be contained as taking of pictures using mobile phones, Ipads and other gadgets was the order of the day. Amongst the guests were cabinet ministers, members of parliament, diplomats, pastors, chiefs and business people, to mention a few.
As guests sat and enjoyed the view, there were frequent planes, but His Majesty King Mswati III’s address was a highlight of the event as he captured attention of the throngs of people from the beginning and constantly had them in stitches as he displayed his sense of humour. The guests were later led to the marquee where they were treated to a full three course meal and entertained by the cream of the crop in the music industry. These include jazz artist Bholoja, TOTI, Floewe, Qibho and Sands as well as the Royal Swaziland Police Band. After this, the public had a chance to witness the unveiling of the new name of the airport that was formerly known as Sikhuphe, and there were shouts of Bayethe as the name, ‘King Mswati III International Airport’, that was in lights was unveiled accompanied by colourful fireworks that lit the sky.
Mpaka primary poets steal King’s heart
Little children from Mpaka Primary School yesterday had His Majesty King Mswati III and the crowd in stitches with their poems.
One pupil said, when reciting his poems that His Majesty was a captain that was leading his ship to the first world status.
“We have a great captain and we are cruising with him to first world status.”
This brought a smile on the King’s face as he was seen chuckling, chatting to Her Majesty the Indlovukazi before applauding.
Other schools that provided entertainment on the day were Lubombo Central High School, which through choral music, said the international airport had brought smiles on many faces of the Swazis and it would be a gateway for many development opportunities. There was also performances by Lutsango, Imbali and male regiments who entertained the guests with Sibhaca.
Imminent storm spoils the party
The weather left hundreds of children disappointed yesterday at the launch of the King Mswati III International Airport.
Minutes after the king anno-unced that children would have the chance to go on the planes and there would be an airshow, they were later informed that because of a storm that was looming somewhere above the clouds, the airshow had to be cancelled.
This left the kids very disappointed and returned back to their seats looking gloomy. This was after they ran from all directions to the landing area where the planes were, with the hope of being the first to get on the planes.
Usually when there is an airshow, weather experts have to give the go ahead to the pilots. Although it was sunny yesterday and degrees were very high, the skies were not completely clear and there were clouds covering it, but there was no storm.
