The traditions surrounding State Opening and delivery of a speech by the Monarch can be traced back to the British model of Westminster Government, which pre-dated from as early as 16th century. Eswatini, like most Commonwealth Countries, inherited this tradition from the British Colonial Masters when the Country was still under colonial rule. On Independence Day, the 6th September 1968, His Majesty King Sobhuza II, delivered the first Speech from the Throne in Parliament (Official State Opening Address).
The State Opening marks the start of a parliamentary year, which is usually referred to as a Session. The Constitution provides that ‘there shall be a Session of Parliament at least once in every year…&rsquo
The Procedure of the State Opening Address is largely provided by the Standing Orders of both Houses of Parliament. House of Assembly Standing Order 14 provides for the announcement of the time of His Majesty’s Address. Standing Order 15 provides for the reporting of the Opening Address. The State Opening is when His Majesty reads the Speech from the Throne, which sets out the Government’s agenda and key legislative plans. The Speech from the Throne could be considered as one of the many factors which influence government policy which could be aligned with any national development strategy or plan bestowed upon the responsibility of Cabinet by the Constitution.
Legislative Council Building – LEGCO - Mbabane (1967)
Legislative Council (LEGCO) 09 November 1964 – 1967
Legislative Council (LEGCO) 09 November, 1964
House of Assembly – 02 May, 1967
Legislative Council (LEGCO) – 1964: (L – R: Seated – Mr. Polycarp Dlamini; (Standing) holding a Bible – Mr. Abednigo Kuseni Hlophe and Hon. I.B. (Standing); Mr. O.Z. Dlamini (Seated - R); Hon. Arnout Germond – First Speaker of the Legislation Council (Behind)
His Majesty King Sobhuza II – Delivering his Speech from the Throne September 1969 - Lobamba