SWAZILAND: SMALLEST STATE IN SOUTHERN AFRICA PRESENTS FLOURISHING CONTRAST BETWEEN THE BRAND NEW AND WAY OF LIFE THAT HAS EXISTED FOR CENTURIES.

Record ID: 473482

  • Title: SWAZILAND: SMALLEST STATE IN SOUTHERN AFRICA PRESENTS FLOURISHING CONTRAST BETWEEN THE BRAND NEW AND WAY OF LIFE THAT HAS EXISTED FOR CENTURIES.
  • Date: 13th May 1976
  • Summary: 1. LS PULL OUT TO GV countryside 0.06 2. MV sign "African City" PULL BACK TO GV of City centre 0.16 3. GV Africans window shopping 0.18 4. MV PAN Mbabane market 0.24 5. CU carved dolls wearing national costume 0.26 6. V Africans making bowls 0.29 7. GV of market 0.30 8. MV African women walking carrying mats on their heads. 0.34 9. GV Parliament building 0.37 10. GV Deputy Prime Minister's office 0.38 11. GV town council offices 0.42 12. MV sign "Embassy House" PAN TO building complex of foreign Embassies 0.48 13. CU Union Jack PULL BACK TO British Embassy 0.56 14. GV United States Embassy 1.00 15. GV Hotel 1.01 16. MV PAN dresses on sale in hotel 1.07 17. GV PAN hotel and swimming pool 1.15 18. GV of Mbabane town centre 1.18 19. GV Wimpy bar 1.20 20. GV new shopping mall (2 shots) 1.28 21. GV showing town in valley 1.30 Initials RH/MF/DK/1736 RH/1713 Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved
  • Embargoed: 28th May 1976 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: MBABANE, SWAZILAND
  • City:
  • Country: Swaziland
  • Topics:
  • Reuters ID: LVAECGA2Q7DWX1FOF2ZENYUSHH5W
  • Aspect Ratio:
  • Story Text: The Kingdom of Swaziland, the smallest state in southern Africa, has undergone some remarkable changes since it was granted independence from British rule in September 1968.

    Although conservative in its tribal way of life and governed authoritatively by its monarch, King Sobhuza II, the country is a major tourist centre - mainly catering for South Africans from the densely-populated Wittwatersrand area.

    This means that the capital, Mbabane, now presents a strong contrast between the brand new and a way of life that has existed for centuries. Against a backdrop of modern flats, smart office buildings and a shopping complex that would be the envy of any progressive town, the Swazis sit round their traditional market selling their handicrafts.

    These consist of a wide and attractive assortment of woven mats, baskets, carved animal figures, spears, shields and beadwork made from seeds, bamboos and porcupine quills. Many of these articles are still used by the people in their everyday lives.

    In the Ezulwini Valley hotels of international standard, plus a casino, stand literally within a stone's throw of simple beehive huts, while cattle graze peacefully alongside the new Parliament House. The same kind of scene can be witnessed at Manzini, Swaziland's largest town and its principal commercial centre.

    With its tree-lined mountainslopes, colourful people, relaxed atmosphere and benevolent climate,Swaziland would probably be a tourist centre whatever its geographical location. But because it offers South Africans gambling and a more open attitude to so-called "permissiveness," the tourist industry has boomed in recent years.

    Tourists brought about 3,300,000 rand (about two million pounds sterling) into the country in 1972 and one of the results is that a growing number of Swazis are able to share in the tourist attractions themselves. The casino, nightclubs and bars are thus increasingly multi-racial and Swaziland is by no means poor in other spheres. Secondary industry is developing and though agriculture still tends to be primitive, the raw materials for modernisation are available.

    SYNOPSIS: With its beautiful countryside, colourful people and relaxed atmosphere the kingdom of Swaziland - the smallest state in southern Africa - would probably be a tourist centre whatever its geographical location. But straddling the South Africa - Mozambique border, it mainly attracts South Africans.

    Since the tourist boom began in 1971 the capital city, Mbabane, has under-gone changes which have produced strong contrasts between the brand new and a way of life that has existed for centuries. Africans still sell handicrafts in their traditional market.

    But this happens against a backdrop of new government buildings, modern flats, smart office blocks and a shopping complex that would be the envy of any progressive town. Tourists brought over two million pounds sterling into Swaziland in 1972 and one of the results is that a growing number of Swazis are able to share in the country's new-found wealth.

    Places of entertainment are increasingly multi-racial and Swaziland is by no means poor in other spheres. Secondary industry is developing and although agriculture still tends towards the primitive, the raw materials are available for modernisation. Meanwhile, South African tourists keep coming. Although conservative in its tribal way of life and authoritatively governed by King Sobhuza the second, Swaziland offers gambling - and a more open attitude towards life in general.
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