Hottie: Jonathan Rhys-Meyers
This man's got the whole package ? talent, looks and a conscience to boot. No wonder we love him...
Bride of the week
Fancy having your wedding pics published on our site? Then click here and send yours through today!
 |
Image: Reuters
Critics say Mswati, who has courted controversy for his lavish lifestyle while two thirds of his subjects live in poverty, sets a bad example by encouraging polygamy and teenage sex in a country where about 40 percent of adults live with HIV.
Some of the women did not seem to mind, hoping to escape from the southern African nation's hardships for the easy life.
"I came here to dance. I wish the king would have chosen me because it's nice at the king's place. The wives live a nice life," said Tenene Dlamini, 16, in a traditional brown skirt.
"Everything is done for them. They don't work. They earn."
The Reed Dance has been a big date on the Swaziland cultural calendar since Mswati began the ceremony in 1999.
But he may not be as relaxed this year among the throngs of young half-naked women.
Political groups seeking democratic reforms have become more active in a country where the opposition has been effectively banned since 1973 by royal decree.
They are critical of plans to hold next weekend's celebrations of the king's 40th birthday in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of Swaziland's independence from Britain.
Still, some of Swaziland's women came to the Ludzidzini Royal Village to show their admiration for the monarch.
"I respect the king and I respect my culture," said Nontobeko Sdidlamini, 16, carrying a shield made of animal skin and wearing an orange bracelet which read "Sex Can Wait".
Some said they would not want to be part of a polygamous arrangement with the king and were taking part in the ceremony to prove their virginity. Others fear they lost out.
"My sister is the king's tenth wife. I don't think he can choose me because he has already chosen my sister," said Zandisile Ntentesa, a 21-year-old prison employee.
The king, flanked by bodyguards with pistols and sticks, may face pressure from emboldened critics. But he can take comfort from the wealth which wins him tributes and songs at the reed ceremony.
Last month, Forbes magazine listed him as the 15th-richest monarch in the world. He was the only African on the list.
During the reed festivities, one of the king's wives drove up in a fancy BMW. Policemen told people to look the other way.
Ask an expert
Article Search
Get blogging
Get one now!
Read one now!
 |
 |
|
|
|
||
 |
 |
|
| Well i think that king is very self centred cause all these kids want success why not just donate money for them to go to school seing that he's rich and contribute to the success of this country, those girls are vulnarable and he's taking advantage of the situation how can you be rich while your land is struggling? People like that will remember their wealth someday cause you can't have something forever,what goes up must come down. | ||
 |
||
| Lilly on 03 Sep at 13:35 |
||
| How does encouraging teenagers to wait until marriage "set a bad example"? This makes no sense and I think this is only the opinion of those with Euro-centric views. | ||
 |
||
| Melanie on 03 Sep at 13:42 |
||
| I totally agree Melanie.Thatt's their culture and the people actually don't mind dancing to be noticed by the king.Fine I think it is selfish that he is rich while the nation is in poverty,but we don't know if he donates some money or not.Swati girls are being encouraged to wait for marriage before engaging in sex.It's an incentive. | ||
|
||
| gnnj on 03 Sep at 16:17 |
||
| this system of love proposal is totally unfair and unaccepteable.as south african i have this ideology that everyone has the right to choice,so i understant why most leader like traditional leadership is bcause they enjoy their sexual desire as they like with the people of god,god said'you people you will be of great number than all the animal types and you will dominate the world and enjoy my mercy' so my question in,is the people of swaziland enjoying the mercy of god or the bitter ungodly leadership by the so called swati? | ||
|
||
| THATO DAVID on 04 Sep at 23:06 |
||
| the reason for this ceremony has far outlived its usefulness.the king should look for a way to move his country forward instead of getting more wives | ||
|
||
| bisola on 08 Sep at 17:06 |
||
| more wives more fun! now we have a happy king | ||
|
||
| anony on 29 Sep at 09:37 |
||
| It is interesting to note the number of virgins that line up wanting to be the kings next bride out of their own will. There are many people who are looking for pure women to marry yet are unable to trace any remnants. The question that lingers is when will the king be satisfied. he does not seem to be reflecting on abondoning the arkward culture at all. | ||
|
||
| michael wesonga on 23 Oct at 12:01 |
||
|
|
||
An exciting pair of adjustable nipple clamps, each with its own vibrator motor and a control providing variable speeds.
What could be better than lying on your back with a man paying oral homage to your most sensitive areas?
|
Blogs
|
