By Staff Reporter| Controversial businessman and Zanu PF tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo on Friday claimed he was granted Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport after meeting King Mswati III at the royal palace.

In a statement filled with praise for the monarch, Chivayo described the audience as one of the greatest honours of his life.

“🇸🇿 BAYEDE WENA WETHU !!…A TASTE OF TRUE AFRICAN ROYALTY 👑 Yesterday will FOREVER rank amongst the GREATEST HONOURS of my life,” Chivayo said.

He added: “To be granted audience by a KING is a privilege afforded to very few men, and I remain profoundly HUMBLED and deeply GRATEFUL to HIS MAJESTY KING MSWATI III, of the KINGDOM OF ESWATINI, for receiving me at the ROYAL PALACE and extending to me ROYAL HOSPITALITY that exceeded every expectation.”

Chivayo said the meeting went beyond business.

“Being welcomed into the presence of HIS MAJESTY and afforded the opportunity to engage him on various matters of MUTUAL INTEREST was an EXTRA-ORDINARY experience that I will cherish for the REST OF MY LIFE,” he said.

He claimed the King was aware of his activities online.

“What PARTICULARLY took me by SURPRISE was His Majesty’s keen interest in the PHILANTHROPIC WORK that I have undertaken in Zimbabwe and across the African continent. I didn’t know his ROYAL HIGHNESS followed social media 🙏🏼 and was well ACQUINTED with the developments in that cyber-space,” Chivayo said.

According to Chivayo, King Mswati also praised his political alignments. “He also highly COMMENDED my support of REVOLUTIONARY PARTIES in the Southern African Region, particularly ZANU PF under the visionary leadership of H.E. President E.D MNANGAGWA,” he said.

Chivayo said their talks focused on youth and development. “Our discussions extended FAR BEYOND business and investment and focused on the RESPONSIBILITY that YOUNG Africans have to uplift communities, create OPPORTUNITIES and contribute meaningfully towards the SOCIO-ECONOMIC development of our Continent.”

He lauded the King’s leadership style. “Beyond the CROWN and the immense responsibilities of the State, what struck me most was the EXTRAORDINARY depth of intellect possessed by HIS MAJESTY. Soft-spoken yet exceptionally ASTUTE, traditional yet remarkably FORWARD-THINKING….👏🏽👏🏽💪🏽 His Majesty embodies the finest qualities of AFRICAN LEADERSHIP.”

“Only a few leaders possess the rare ability to preserve the CULTURAL HERITAGE and traditions of their people whilst simultaneously embracing MODERNISATION, INVESTMENT and ECONOMIC PROGRESS with such clarity of purpose,” Chivayo said. “I encountered a distinguished MONARCH who understands that Africa’s future must be built through AFRICAN SOLUTIONS, AFRICAN CAPITAL and AFRICAN LEADERSHIP.”

Chivayo said Eswatini’s development drive came up in the meeting. “Under KING MSWATI III’s leadership, the Kingdom continues to pursue ambitious programmes aimed at INDUSTRIALISATION, ENERGY SECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT, PRIVATE SECTOR GROWTH and YOUTH EMPOWERMENT,” he said.

“His Majesty spoke passionately about the importance of unlocking Eswatini’s enormous renewable energy potential and attracting STRATEGIC INVESTMENT that will accelerate economic growth and improve the lives of ordinary EMASWATI.”

Chivayo offered to mobilise investment. “As a businessman whose passion lies in INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT and mainly RENEWABLE ENERGY, I gave my assurances that through my companies and strategic TECHNICAL PARTNERS, we stand ready to participate and mobilise substantial CAPITAL and raise funding through DEBT from local banks and PENSION FUNDS to unlock and deliver on any bankable projects.”

He contrasted Eswatini with Zimbabwe. “Unlike our beloved Motherland Zimbabwe which has suffered from DECADES of economic sanctions and perceived sovereign risk, ESWATINI presents a GRAND opportunity for MASSIVE development leveraging on its good credit rating and support by Multi-Lateral Development partners and financiers,” Chivayo said.

He claimed the visit ended with major honours. “The HIGHLIGHT of my courtesy visit was His Majesty’s most humbling INSTRUCTION to his administration, which bestowed upon me the HIGHEST HONOUR of being granted Eswatini CITIZENSHIP, as the KING accepted me as his young, fellow AFRICAN son.”

“Coupled to this, I was further presented with a DIPLOMATIC PASSPORT, meant to facilitate ease of travel and doing business in ESAWATINI, in the various pursuits in INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT. 👏🏽👏🏽”

Chivayo closed by thanking the King. “Your MAJESTY, I departed the Kingdom of Eswatini with a heart overflowing with GRATITUDE, and a RENEWED DETERMINATION to contribute towards the socio-economic transformation of ESWATINI and Africa,” he said.

“I extend my deepest appreciation to you, NGWENYAMA, for affording me the RARE PRIVILEGE of spending time with TRUE AFRICAN ROYALTY and for the confidence shown in my VISION FOR INVESTMENT, development, PHILANTHROPY and prosperity.”

“NGIYABONGA KAKHULU, BAYEDE, for your generosity and your WISDOM NGWENYAMA Wena Wethu! 👑🇸🇿🙏🏾”

He signed off with hashtags: #Bayede #King_Mswati_III #Kingdom_Of_Eswatini #A_Taste_Of_Royalty #Mukuru_We_Mazuva #Humambo_Ndehwe_Ropa #Zita_Haridzimike