MUSA NDLANGAMANDLA SPEAKS ON HIS "HUMILLIATING" VIRAL PHOTO SITTING ON THE FLOOR
...Says gesture was personal respect to the King
Former Swazi Observer Managing Editor Musa Ndlangamandla has defended his decision to sit down before King Mswati III at the Eswatini International Trade Fair, describing it as a personal expression of respect.
The photo, which circulated widely on social media, shows Ndlangamandla literally sitting on the floor while talking to the King while former South African President Jacob Zuma and several senior figures looked on. Zuma is seen smiling in the background, though Ndlangamandla confirmed he did not make any remarks at the time.
The image quickly sparked debate online. Some observers argued that the scene was humiliating, while others viewed it as a cultural expression consistent with Swazi tradition. Ndlangamandla said the moment represented closure after years of speculation about his relationship with the monarch.
Former Swazi Observer Editor Musa Ndlangamandla
“I will forever cherish the opportunity to be in the King’s court and to see for myself that His Majesty holds no grudges and sees us all as his children,” he wrote. Speaking to Swazi Bridge today, he elaborated on the meaning behind the post and viral photo. On why he wrote the lengthy Facebook post, Ndlangamandla said it was a reflection of his personal journey.
“I was telling my story from my own personal experience,” he said. Asked if his sitting on the floor was not a carefully choreographed spectacle, Ndlangamandla explained that many people at the Trade Fair were taking pictures, and one of them shared the image with him. On claims from his post that, for a long time, he was made to believe the King was angry with him—leading to his brief sojourn in South Africa as an exile—he acknowledged that such rumours had circulated for years.
“Some people thrive on abusing the King’s name to further their own nefarious ends. I am glad it has been proven that this was not the case,” he said. Ndlangamandla said meeting the King lifted a “heavy weight” he had carried for years. “I now have peace as many of my fears and all the lies that had been peddled in the past have been exposed.” He also dismissed criticism that the image was humiliating.
“We are different and we show respect in different ways. I was expressing my appreciation and respect for His Majesty in a cultural and straightforward manner. I am not embarrassed at all,” he said. Ndlangamandla has previously held senior positions in the media and public life, including a long tenure as Managing Editor of the Swazi Observer, and has also served as an advisor to the monarch.
He insists that his actions were a matter of principle and cultural duty. “I will always respect the national authorities and will express myself in this way. What law did I break? I need no permission from anyone to show respect to His Majesty,” he said.