Mbabane – Eswatini officially unveiled its new International Convention Centre (ICC) in Mbabane on Saturday, April 25, 2026, with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and his predecessor, Jacob Zuma, among the distinguished guests.
The event coincided with King Mswati III’s 40th year on the throne and his 58th birthday.
President Ramaphosa and former president Zuma, often seen as political rivals, set aside differences to join monarchs, diplomats, and heads of state in celebrating the milestone.
Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and King Letsie III (Lesotho) were also present.
Zuma, leader of the uMkhonto we Sizwe Party, is connected to the Eswatini royal family through his daughter, Queen Nomcebo Zuma, King Mswati III’s 16th wife.
The Eswatini Government hailed the ICC as a “milestone in the Kingdom’s tourism and hospitality journey,” positioning the country to host world-class conferences, exhibitions, and business events.
In a statement, South Africa’s Presidency emphasised Ramaphosa’s attendance as a reflection of the “strong and fraternal relations” between the two nations, rooted in shared history and cultural ties since the end of apartheid.
Spokesperson Vincent Mangwenya stated: “President Ramaphosa’s honouring of the invitation as a guest at the national celebration in the Kingdom of Eswatini underscores the strong and fraternal relations between South Africa and the Kingdom of Eswatini.
“South Africa and Eswatini share strong historical and cultural ties that were formally established at the end of the apartheid era in South Africa.”
The Ruby Jubilee included a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, with the King touring the facilities afterward.
