Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

88 published comments with 43 censored.

King Mswati III is Africa’s last absolute monarch, ruling by decree over his million subjects, most of whom live in the countryside and follow traditional ways of life.

A long-awaited constitution introduced in 2006 cemented the king’s rule.

King Mswati feels the country is not yet ready for multi-party politics, despite the power of the throne not going unchallenged.

Economically, the landlocked kingdom relies on South Africa. Many Swazis live in chronic poverty and food shortages are widespread. Aids is taking a heavy toll with more than 40% of the population believed infected with HIV.

Some Swazis are critical of King Mswati, complaining that his lavish lifestyle and many wives contrast with their poverty.

What does King Mswati III see as priorities for his country? How is his kingdom tackling the growing problem of HIV/Aids? Should Swaziland do more to promote tourism rather than just rely on exporting sugar, wood and minerals? What would you like to ask His Majesty?

We will put a selection of your questions to King Mswati III in a special edition of our global interactive phone-in programme, Have Your Say.

Link to the BBC website for this thread

The following comments were censored from this thread on the BBC's 'Have Your Say' section of their news website.

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by Sam Rupani on Sat Sep 02 14:47:37 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

Good Morning.

This King is not for the country...

Nor His country is for Him...

He has to change...

Bring some reforms...

Thanks and Regards.

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by Tutu Olutayo on Sat Sep 02 14:45:53 UTC 2006. 20 recommendations.

Your majesty, how do you manage to love all your wives equally. Are you wives only for sex or they have other things they do

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by Sue Davies on Sat Sep 02 14:43:16 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

Is it a matter of "do as I say...not as I do"??
Your AIDS/HIV crises....what are you personally doing about it?

Surely by having so many wives you are not a good role model for promoting safe sex!

By burying your head in the sand...the situation will be the death of your kingdom!

Do women have the same rights as men?
If not....why not??

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by dawit on Sat Sep 02 14:25:19 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

please take a small note of democracy and let the people speak free, give education the world belongs to the sawize people alsoand share the development of this century??

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by Ossai on Sat Sep 02 14:18:01 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

What is his vision for his country(where does he see Swaziland in the committee of nations) in the next 50 years?
Ben Ofoma, Dublin
Hello Ben,
You don't need King Mswati to answer that. If 40% of the Swazis are infected with HIV, then Swaziland will be near extinct in the next 50 years. Then, he would have heroically inscribed his name among the committee of nations as the first king without a subject. I think Mswati is riding his country on a reckless royal horse to a destructive self-voyage

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by celius key on Sat Sep 02 14:13:45 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

king Mswati III is a very selfish person. As the late president of congo, Mobutu, he is leading his own country into a cul de sac where there are ways of people, through suffering,revolting against him. he should at least help his people get out of misery and live a better life...

Celius
kinshasa,RDC

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by dominic on Sat Sep 02 14:12:50 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

what is this "your majesty?" all men are born equal Mr Mswati. Do you think the poverty your subjects live in is justified in reflection to your great comfort..Mr Mswati?

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by Alem Tsegay on Sat Sep 02 14:07:10 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

King Mswati111 With 40% of HIV/Aids, Chronic poverity, you looks not interested in the problem of the people. Will all due respect, you should pass the power of ruling Swaziland to a competente Swazilander. Give them a break. When will you do that for the seek of peace and development.

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by fastwelshdragon on Sat Sep 02 14:07:12 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

Your Majesty,

Is it not time that you caught up with todays modern life, and help the poorest people of your country.

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by mike tende on Sat Sep 02 13:54:56 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

This is a pointless exercise.

This King belongs to this younger generation.

I doubtif William would get closer to what this African do.
Muswati, you are a disgrace to us, those of this generation.

Enjoy all your trappings-but with a responsibility to your people. That way, mornachy ( which is good as a pivotal to any national identity) will survive. Otherwise, as they say, you could end up being the last Mornach in Africa. This is not a real prob to u. BUT KIDS U PLANT ALL OVER???

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by sam on Sat Sep 02 13:41:24 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

It is a fact that Swaziland has a high percentage of HIV/AIDS in sub sahara region. How does the King think his marrying of several wives help curb the infection rate in his kingdom?

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by Meghann on Sat Sep 02 13:41:03 UTC 2006. 9 recommendations.

Sir, how similar do you feel your absolute reign is with the western leaders complete disregard for democracy in the UK and USA? Also, would you consider doing the honourable thing and leaving your throne for democracy before outstaying your welcome?

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by sam on Sat Sep 02 13:39:24 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

It is a fact that Swaziland has a high percentage of HIV/AIDS. How does the King think his marrying of sveral wifes help curb the infection rate in his kingdom?

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by Achmed Haji on Sat Sep 02 13:19:59 UTC 2006. 10 recommendations.

Your Masjesty
As a edjucated man, does it not disturb you to be known as a despot and tyrant and to know that it is true ?
As a educated man does it not disturb you to know and see that you are bring your own country down to depths of povetry that would cause your forefathers to weep in their graves with shame ?
Does it not disturb you when buying fleets of the most espensive vehicles available to man that your people are dieing by the thousands ?
Shame shame shame on you and your legacy.

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by Gerardus Pedrico on Sat Sep 02 11:24:49 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

Your Majesty,
Would you allow at least some form of democracy where there is accomodation of the people's say?
The best way to build a country is to allow all Swazis to participate/contribute their skills and knowledge based on framework of democracy. This enables economic growth and equal distribution of wealth to bring prosperity. Respect by people is earned (you have to struggle to earn it). People will respect you for your effort. You don't need to be perfect. It is an art of being human.

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by rapidJOJOJOJO on Sat Sep 02 04:19:14 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

According to Parade Magazine,the King of Swaziland is ranked as the world's 18th of the world's top 20 worst dictators.It saya that since coming to power in 1986 at age 18,his country has slipped to poverty and the AIDS rate has increased drmatically.So i wonder what does the king think of that?

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by Ngwane Maina on Fri Sep 01 21:36:51 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

Hello Your Majesty,
With all due respect, it seems that many of Africa's leaders have lost sight of their purpose. You are in a previledged position to serve the people and lead them to a better future. African leaders robbing their people of their rights, future and way of life has become common place.
AIDS prevention, education, boosting private industry,improved infustructure among other things should be at the forefront of your agenda. Africa still has a chance but not w/o your help.

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by Lukas on Fri Sep 01 19:23:03 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

Dear Arkim, I agree. I stick, however, to my opinion that His Majesty's wealth is in great exaggeration when compared relatively to the Queen of England.(1-2pounds per subject for the Royal Family) Despite that, there is no rule that states how wealthy a monarch should be, after all (s)he is a Monarch. I do, however, feel that having multiple wives, palaces and a legion of German luxury cars is immoral when 30% of your population is HIV infected. Seems that not only us want to go to the moon..

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by Agbor on Sat Sep 02 12:18:23 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

The King has what I call total freedom on polygamy. Inasmuch as it seems it is a tradition in the kingdom, why does he confiscate people's young girls? And what does he do to them? For a "modern" monarch, I find this practice very sad, crass and dispeakable.

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by Ben on Sat Sep 02 13:23:40 UTC 2006. 4 recommendations.

What's your favorite color?

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by Ifeacho on Sat Sep 02 12:36:55 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

I heard of King Mswati of the landlocked Swaziland some years ago. In my opinion, it is unfortunate that a London-educated young man such as Mswati seems to be more interested in holding on to absolute power over his poverty stricken people rather than in their welfare and advancement. He frequents the virgin ceremony and adds to his collection of wives in accordance to the local culture, but fails to adequately incorporate some of his experiences from more developed countries.

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by Adam on Sat Sep 02 12:33:13 UTC 2006. 20 recommendations.

When his the King going to bring about full democratic reform in his country and give up his undemocratic power? Also, when is he going to stop spending all the countrys money on himself? Also, when is he going to start taking the AIDS issue seriously?

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by David on Sat Sep 02 12:23:16 UTC 2006. 6 recommendations.

Why do the rich insist on keeping the poor in poverty and themselves rich when if we all shared our resources we as a people would be far better off?

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by Mwamba Bupe on Sun Sep 03 09:27:09 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

When is the King ever going to stop marrying? I find it strange that he continues to marry in a country with at least 70% AIDS prelevance. Who says that tradition cannot be changed if it does more harm than good? Is the King trying to prove his sexual prowess?

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by Allanie Njateni on Sun Sep 03 08:40:51 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

I understand this King Mswati has several wives which means he has several children,who will look after these children after him passing away.What about the money he uses to look after these women,is not possible to abuse public funds ? I really implore this king to stop marrying these young girls,that is child abuse.The natural law is one one one wife.Viva Mswati.

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by erichvon on Sun Sep 03 07:17:14 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

Errrr..where exactly is Swaziland?

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by Ahmed on Sun Sep 03 06:27:30 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

Mr King, What is the possibility that your wives are making you busy not to concentrate the develpment of your country, do you know all their names and faces? please share your wealth with your people not your wives, thanks.

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by Tumwesige Ssebu on Sun Sep 03 08:42:40 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

Kings , princes and princesses are desired in Africa,However the conduct of some kings is full of greed and allogance.Example king mswati in south Africa thinks that he owns all women and that he can take any at will.I call this kind of behaviour obsessive and unhealthy.I feel his mind is not on his people to develop but to exploit them sexually.He should instead seek to empower women to education and values.

Ssebu Tumwesige from Uganda Kabale in USA.

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by Oscar King on Sun Sep 03 08:12:02 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

The King, how do you bring civilization to your domain if you fail to ensure the education of your subjects? Are you afraid they might rise up against your policies, lavish lifestyle and dictatorial tendencies if they are educationally equipped? Probably you want to remain the Alpha and Omega in your country that is why you refused the introduction of democratic governance.

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by elias sichone on Sun Sep 03 06:31:21 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

king mswati's life style though its tradition does not comform to morden world life style more espcially in this era of HV/AIDS Pandemic hence the need to change that bad traditional practice.

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by omoruyi nosa on Sun Sep 03 06:26:41 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

your majeste ,
since you marry young girl in your country.
1. i want to know why you marry every year and how many number do you wish to stop.
2. the money use in buying benz , why dont you use it as a good charity to help to fight hiv/aids in your country.
3. what is the prospect of democracy in your country, since you rule with military decree like a tripical useless africa dictator.
waiting your reply, and if you like dont.

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by Chike on Sun Sep 03 05:57:29 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

Honestly BBC you are making me sick... Why do do always get to talk about useless African leaders. By useless I mean... well read BBC introdution and you'd see why this guy is no good for anyone else but his many wives and chronies. Why don't we get to talk about good African leaders like John Kufor of Ghana. By good I mean leaders that have enough brains to steer their nation in that right direction. Mswati and Mugabe are not one of them

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by anagadir on Sun Sep 03 05:05:43 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

How can you live with yourself? You are rich, have many wifes, lots of pleasures but your Country is poor, sick, and isolated. How do you feel about yourself, your confidence, your relation to the real world, your contribution to society, etc? It seems to me, a man with your intelligence, must be very lonely and depressed. Good luck being a "King."

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by andy head on Sun Sep 03 04:22:41 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

The "king?" a disgrace by all measures or he is just being a guy? Trying to sleep with all these girls? He should be ashamed that he is not doing anything positive for his country.

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by Rexon on Sun Sep 03 10:42:54 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

I understand concerns about the kings many wives. I think this has something to do with uncivilised traditions that are rampant all over Africa. The king of this tiny kingdom cannot be singled out. In my country of origin Cameroon, many local chiefs have many wives and children. Fon Angwafor of Mankon, Doh of Balikumbat, several Lamido's in the muslim north of the country are living examples.

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by Sunday Ayoola on Sun Sep 03 08:20:19 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

I wish you can educate your people, and stop this marriage with the young girls, spend the country's money wisely.

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by Herb Magombe on Sun Sep 03 03:13:02 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

This is no joke, if Monarchy hasn't helped Swaziland, it is time to try another form of governmnent. Judges should not be afraid to pass judgment against you for fear of being fired. Swaziland is plagued by AIDS while you continue to marry more wives. You have to set an example for the children for folllow for a better tommorrow if we are to save Swaziland. There are no more kings and queens in Africa, we are fed up with them. Look at Mandela our hero, and Sarro Wiwa too. Democracy right now.

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by Ezemonye Duru on Sat Sep 02 14:07:47 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

As the monatch of a relatively small enclave, in modern history, which role presents the most challenge: (a) being a husband to many wives, (b) being a custodian of traditions, (c) being a patron for poverty alleviation, or (d) being an passive observer of the scourge of AIDS in his homeland?

In the forseeable future, where does the king see Swaziland heading, in view of governance, commerce, lifestyle, and culture?

What aspects of his present life will he change, if he was not a king?

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by Ben MSISKA on Sun Sep 03 02:53:23 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

Your Majesty,
I have problems finding time for my one wife and family. Where on earth do you find the time to entertain your many wives and run the affairs of the kingdom effectively ?.

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by Ahmed on Sun Sep 03 01:11:46 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

With so many wives, how do you manage not to get infected by HIV/AIDS? I assume that all your wives are "loyal" and (regularly)medically check

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by Dan on Sun Sep 03 00:13:30 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

Would it not seem a better example to a country ravaged by AIDS and HIV, to be monogamous, instead of having several wives? You may be living your life traditionally, but I don't think AIDS was a factor, even 50 years ago, so should you not adapt to combat AIDS?

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by Abdul on Sat Sep 02 23:51:37 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

Why do you have so many wives? Is this a way to prove your manhood? I know as a king your constitution or custom allows you to do this. But why don't you do otherwise. If you want to live long and rule your people, you should rethink this idea of having so many wives. You will waste away.

Why don't you sell some of the expensive cars you own and give the money back to your people. They need it more than you do. Don't you think so?

Ask King Mswati III of Swaziland

Written by Daniel on Thu Aug 31 18:18:48 UTC 2006. 4 recommendations.

Your Magesty, Just how do you manage all your wives? I can barely keep one happy !. I could learn a trick or two from Your Magesty. Secondly, would you and your Queens be willing to take a public HIV/AIDS test in order to encourage your subjects to do the same? This will enable them to know their status and prevent its spread. Thank you in advance for your kind response and long live Your Magesty.