Prophet Vusumuzi 'Major V' Dlamini and 17 Others Sworn in as Liqoqo Members at Lozitha Palace

On May 24, 2024, Prophet Vusumuzi 'Major V' Dlamini and 17 others were sworn in as members of the Eswatini National Standing Council (Liqoqo) at Lozitha Palace. The ceremony was marked by humorous interactions and unique oath-taking styles among the members.

Prophet Dlamini, founder of Mountain of Salvation International Christian Church, took the oath of allegiance and humorously remarked, "I was so broke and mingling with pigs, such that I had forgotten that I had suits." He added in vernacular, "Besengawa, ngihlala netingulube, sengakhohlwa nekutsi nginemasudu sengifaka tikhindi. Ngiphose ngahlanya impela."

Dlamini opted to place his left hand on the Bible and lift his right hand, unlike the other 17 members who takes the oath. This unique approach stood out during the ceremony.

Prince David drew laughter from the chamber by altering the oath from 'so help me God' to 'so help me God of Heavens' (in vernacular, "Inkhosi yemaZulu ingisite"). Additionally, Princess Tsandzisiwe corrected the Deputy Attorney General (DAG) during the oath-taking ceremony, further adding to the memorable moments of the event.

Why this matters:

The appointment of Prophet Vusumuzi 'Major V' Dlamini and 17 others to the Eswatini National Standing Council has significant implications for the country's governance and decision-making processes. This development may lead to changes in the council's advisory role and influence on the King's decisions, potentially affecting the country's policies and direction.

The ceremony took place at Lozitha Palace, with the Deputy Attorney General, Zandile Dlamini, advising members to either lift the Bible with their right hand or place their left hand on the Bible and lift their right hand. The Chairman of Liqoqo, Paul Dlamini, was the first to take the oath of allegiance, followed by members of the royal family.

Prophet Dlamini, born on October 9, 1980, is known for his flamboyant style and controversial remarks. He recently lost 2,000 church members but has consistently expressed his love for the country, culture, and allegiance to the King. His appointment to the council has generated significant media attention and public debate.

The Liqoqo is an advisory council that advises the King on disputes related to the selection of chiefs, boundaries of chiefdoms, and other matters assigned by the King. The council's members are appointed by the King from the membership of bantfwabenkhosi (Emalangeni), tikhulu (chiefs), and individuals who have distinguished themselves in the service of the nation.

King Mswati III's decision to appoint Major V reflects the monarch's openness to diverse voices within his advisory circle. All eyes will be on Liqoqo to see how this dynamic figure will contribute to the council.

The swearing-in ceremony at Lozitha Palace featured humorous interactions and unique oath-taking styles among the 18 new members, including Prophet Major V. The event highlighted the diverse personalities and backgrounds of the council members, setting the stage for an interesting term ahead.

Key Takeaways

• Prophet Vusumuzi 'Major V' Dlamini and 17 others sworn in as members of Eswatini National Standing Council (Liqoqo).
• Major V took oath with unique style, placing left hand on Bible and lifting right hand.
• Appointment may lead to changes in council's advisory role and influence on King's decisions.
• Liqoqo advises King on disputes related to chief selection, boundaries, and other matters.
• King Mswati III's decision reflects openness to diverse voices in his advisory circle.