Picture credit: Bible Society / Andrew Boyd
His Royal Highness Prince Masitsela Dlamini has publicly celebrated a forthcoming study Bible in the local language, Siswati.
Opening the ABLI Forum in Eswatini, he said: ‘It was the King’s pleasure in 1997 to officially launch the first translation of the Siswati Bible. We are looking forward to the first Siswati study Bible in 2019.'
Speaking on behalf of the King, he told delegates: ‘As a nation, it remains our priority to ensure that our local official language which we treasure so much does not lose its value. Having this Siswati study Bible will be a direct contribution to helping us preserve our language.’
The Prince was presented with a personalised copy of the Bible at ABLI.
Focus on youth
Before declaring the ABLI Forum open, the Prince made a plea to encourage, develop and mentor young people across the continent.
‘If we mean good for the African continent,’ he said, ‘we must not leave young people behind. It is commonly said that young people are the future leaders. If our young people can be efficiently mentored from this Forum, then their future is now. They must stand up and be the leaders we want. We wish to encourage all of them to translate what they have learned into the conduct of their lifestyles.
‘We commend the British Bible Society, who saw it befitting to partner with African Bible Societies in implementing this [ABLI] initiative. It is such partnerships that yield lasting and enduring outcomes.’
ENDS
Andrew Boyd
