King Mswati swaps crown for boat captain's hat


MATSAMO - In a majestic twist on his usual duties, His Majesty King Mswati III has traded in his royal sceptre for a sturdy boat paddle, taking command of a vessel across the expansive Driekoppies Dam. 

The King, leading a nine-men delegation, appeared to enjoy his new maritime role as he navigated the waters with the same confidence he rules the kingdom.

Following his nautical adventure, His Majesty encouraged emaSwati residing near the dam to harness its vast opportunities. With the grandeur of a monarch and the sales pitch of an enthusiastic entrepreneur, he outlined various prospects, including mass fish production, crocodile leather products, agriculture, agro-processing and tourism development. 


The Driekoppies Dam, a vital water body in the northern Matsamo Border with South Africa, is part of the Komati Basin Water Authority (KOBWA) initiative, a transboundary water project established in 1993. 

Built in 1998, the dam was designed to provide irrigation to boost agricultural productivity, covering a surface area of 1,870 hectares and boasting a holding capacity of 251 million cubic metres.

While it remains unclear whether His Majesty will take up captaining as a full-time hobby, his impromptu voyage has certainly made waves. 






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