School cancelled by Swaziland royal decree

The king of Swaziland has postponed the start of the school year by a week so boys can participate in one of the country’s most sacred rituals – weeding royal fields.

Opposition leaders and many parents criticised the move by King Mswati, which affects some 30,000 students who attend the tiny southern African kingdom’s state schools.

The weeding is the last part of the traditional Incwala rituals, in which Swazis seek the blessing of their ancestors, sanctify the monarchy and celebrate the start of the harvest season.

Traditional astronomers determine the dates of the ceremonies just weeks before they take place.

This is the first time Mswati, Africa’s last absolute monarch, as interfered with school timetables.

“I have no problem with culture, but it should be dynamic and must not supersede daily routines that make the country tick,” said opposition leader Mario Masuku, who has three children in school. “This is a clear sign of absolute dictatorship.”

Private schools ignored the decree and began classes as scheduled today.