The visit of His Majesty King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Swaziland and Chairperson of the SACU Summit of Heads of State and Government to the SACU Headquarters
His Majesty King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Swaziland and Chairperson of the SACU Heads of State and Government visited the SACU Headquarters on Thursday 11 May 2017. The purpose of the visit was to meet and address SACU Secretariat staff and to appreciate the Secretariat's operations. His Majesty King Mswati III had the opportunity to tour the SACU Secretariat building that was inaugurated on the 12th November 2015, at which event he was not able to attend due to prior commitments.
His Majesty King Mswati III, was accompanied by Her Royal Highness Inkhosikati Lankhambule, the Hon. Martin G. Dlamini, Minister of Finance and Chairperson of the SACU Council of Ministers, Hon. Jabulani A. Mabuza, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry and the Hon. Chief Mgwagwa Gamedze, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
His Majesty King Mswati III addressed the SACU Secretariat Executive Committee members on strategic operations and challenges of the SACU institution. His Majesty appreciated the leadership of Ms Paulina M Elago, SACU Executive Secretary and applauded the management team for financially managing the Secretariat as it has never experienced financial challenges or audited negatively since its establishment in 2002.
Ms Paulina M. Elago took His Majesty, the delegation and media practitioners on a tour of the SACU Headquarters. When addressing the SACU Secretariat staff, His Majesty said, "I have been taken around the building and I have been highly impressed with what I have seen. I recall vividly the centenary celebration for our organisation that was held on these very premises in 2010". His Majesty continued by saying, "The leaders also had the opportunity to conduct the ground breaking for the construction of this building. Four years later, the construction of the building was completed, and it was inaugurated in 2015. Let me therefore congratulate all the officials and experts that were involved in the project and ensuring its successful completion. It is truly a magnificent structure, befitting the status of our regional organisation."
His Majesty encouraged the SACU Secretariat staff to continue with their good work. He highlighted the importance of our organisation in our economies and that the success attained by the objectives set translates into achievements that are benefited by our respective Member States collectively.
His Majesty King Mswati III departed Namibia on the 12th May 2017.