Swaziland News reports that King Mswati’s international trip with his new wife, Nomcebo Zuma will cost taxpayers over R200 million public funds.
The publication adds that the couple’s trip will include allowances for the delegation, flying costs for the private jet and what “is described as a pocket money for the King and his new wife”.
The King left the country on Sunday, 13 October on a three-country work travel. He will be attending the World Food Forum in Italy, visit Serbia and further participate in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa.
Mswati’s Spokesperson Percy Simelane told the publication that his office “does not handle finances or allowances for the King and his delegation. He referred comments to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs”.
Foreign Minister Pholile Dlamini-Shakantu who is also part of the King’s delegation was reportedly unavailable at the time of publishing.Zuma’s 21-year-old daughter, Nomcebo Zuma was recently introduced as King Mswati’s 16th wife during the recent uMhlanga Reed Dance Ceremony.
The 56-year-old monarch’s latest wife is the daughter of Jacob Zuma and businesswoman Nonkululeko Hloniphile Mhlongo.
TimesLIVE reported in July that Mswati’s majesty sent a delegation to Nkandla to present the Nkandla Crooner with 10 cattle to mark the beginning of lobola negotiations.
Sunday World reveals that Zuma apparently boycotted the ceremony when he found out his daughter was marrying the king.
The publication adds that Nonkululeko Hloniphile Mhlongo, who has two children with the former president, apparently told everyone that the negotiations would go on with or without him.
Three independent sources confirmed to the publication that King Mswati was expected to pay R2 million and 100 head of cattle as lobola for Nomcebo.