Report Claims King Mswati’s Salary to Increase by R50 Million

• A report claims King Mswati has received a R50 million salary increase, sparking debate in Eswatini
• The news comes after reports show that about 70% of the population is believed to be living below the poverty line
• While critics have condemned the alleged pay rise, some social media users question whether the report is an April Fool’s joke

MBABANE —A reported R50 million salary increase for King Mswati has raised eyebrows and sparked debate, as many people in Eswatini continue to struggle with poverty.

A report by The Nation Magazine, edited by Bhekithemba Makhubu, says the pay rise comes at a time when many people in Eswatini are struggling. It is estimated that about 70% of the country’s population lives below the poverty line.

The reported increase has already sparked criticism, both locally and internationally. Critics argue that the King’s spending is too high, especially as many citizens face economic hardship.

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Social media users were unsure of whether to take the report seriously, considering the exorbitant amount and on the count that April 1st is April Fool's day, believing it could be a joke.

See post by journalist Sihle Mavuso:

Facebook users weigh in

Phiwayinkosi Mxo said:

"He knows that 50 per cent of the people of Swaziland are here in South Africa."

Madoda Dlamini said:

"I hope this is an April Fool's joke."

Sam Dlamini said:

"Whom God wants to destroy. He first makes him mad with power. So be it with Mswati."

Khahlamba Mabuza said:

"He owns that kingdom, so 50 is nothing. How about 350?"

Sam Dlamini said:

"Salary for what? What does he do? I mean, really, what does he do for the people?"

King Mswati III asks for R40 million donation

King Mswati III incurred criticism from South Africans after he asked for a donation of over R40 billion to fight climate change. He spoke at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States of America, on 25 September 2025. According to eSwatini publication, Mswati appealed for R43 billion for implementing a plan that seeks to reduce over 2 million tons of greenhouse gas. Addressing delegates, Mswati said that the landlocked nation is determined to turn vulnerability into resilience.

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King Mswati sends royal jet to evacuate citizens from Middle East

On a more positive note, King Mswati III used his private jet to ensure the royal family and other eSwatini citizens trapped in the Middle East made it back home safely. Reports stated that about 30 ordinary Eswatini citizens living in the United Arab Emirates and neighbouring countries had initially agreed to return home. However, most later changed their minds and decided to remain abroad despite the risks, reportedly fearing the poverty situation in Eswatini. The eSwatini government later confirmed that the majority of citizens living in the Middle East were evacuated back to eSwatini.

Previously, Briefly News reported that King Mswati III's adult children went out of their way to mock the aggrieved people of Eswatini. In 2021, the young monarchs went on Instagram live to ridicule citizens who were looking for political reform in the country. With Eswatini being an absolute monarchy where little to no say is given to the people of the nation, it seems the royals have definitely let the power get to their heads. Commenters felt that the live was disrespecting the very people they are meant to serve.

Source: Briefly News