Hefty bill for monarch’s wedding tour

King Mswati's upcoming overseas trip with his new wife, Inkhosikati Nomcebo Zuma, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, is expected to cost taxpayers more than R200m. According to the Swaziland News, the costs include allowances for the delegation that will be accompanying the king, flying costs for the private jet, and spending money for the monarch and his 21-year-old bride. The publication added that Mswati attended the World Food Forum in Italy last week. IoL reports that he then proceeded to Serbia for a state visit before attending the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa. Royal spokesperson Percy Simelane told the publication that his office was not responsible for finances or allowances for the king and his delegation, and referred comments to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Efforts to contact Foreign Affairs Minister Pholile Dlamini-Shakantu, who is also part of the delegation, were unsuccessful.

Full IoL report