Otumfuo in a handshake with King Mswati III
HIS ROYAL Majesty, King Mswati III of Eswatini, has urged Africans to jealously protect and preserve their rich traditional and cultural practices in this globalised world.
According to him, globalisation poses serious threat to cultures and traditions which dates back to centuries, stressing that Africans should safeguard their identities.
He particularly tasked African traditional leaders to work assiduously to ensure the documentation of their rich traditional and cultural practices for generations yet unborn.
“We should document our practices for future generations,” the visiting monarch remarked, and stated that the culture and traditions show the identity of the African people.
King Mswati III was speaking at a mammoth durbar of chiefs and people of Asanteman, which was held in his honour at the ‘Dwabirem’ in the Manhyia Palace, in Kumasi on Thursday.
Continuing, he recounted that African forebears bequeathed their rich traditions and culture to the present generation, adding that it was their duty to also preserve it for future generations.
The visiting king said he was thrilled and highly impressed about how Asantes have preserved their culture, saying that Asantes deserved applause.
He showered tons of praises on Asantes, especially Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for using the Manhyia Palace Musuem to preserve Asante culture of over 400 years for future generations.
“I have seen the history and display of Asante heritage during my visit, and it’s a living testimony and reaffirmation of traditional leadership on our continent,” the king remarked.
He described Otumfuo’s 26 years reign on the Golden Stool as a “beacon for African traditional rulers”, emphasising that Otumfuo is championing Africa’s true identity as a people.
King Mswati, however, said the preservation of the rich African culture and traditions alone was not enough, stressing that Africa’s culture and traditions should impact their economies.
According to him, Eswatini under his able leadership, has managed to use its festivals to showcase their culture and traditions to boost tourism, to support the local economy.
“We have been using our festivals to attract tourists into our country, and this policy has been attracting funds to support the economy. Revenue from tourism continues to grow,” he stated.
King Mswati therefore implored sister African countries to emulate their shining example by strategically using their festivals to attract tourists to improve their economies.
The visiting king, who was extremely thrilled after observing and a having a feel of the Asante culture, extended an invitation to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to a national cultural festival in Eswatini.
According to him, he hopes his historic visit to Otumfuo would help strengthen the developmental, social and economic ties between the people of Eswatini and Asanteman.
Otumfuo, in a speech read on his behalf by Nana Otuo Serebuo, the Juaben Paramount Chief, said, “King Mswati III’s visit should strengthen the Asante and Eswatini kingdoms.”
He particularly called for deeper economic ties between the two kingdoms to improve the lives of their people, saying, “Your visit shows unity and progress among African kings.”
The Asantehene also applauded King Mswati III for being a visionary leader, who has worked tirelessly to uphold the proud traditions and culture of his people.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah, Kumasi