Prime Minister of Eswatini dies from COVID-19 in South African hospital

Ambrose Dlamini, the Prime Minister of Eswatini, who tested positive for coronavirus four weeks ago, has died at age 52 after being hospitalized in neighboring South Africa, the tiny absolute monarchy’s government said late on Sunday.

“Their Majesties have commanded that I inform the Nation of the sad and untimely passing away of His Excellency the Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini. His Excellency passed on this afternoon while under medical care in a hospital in South Africa”, Deputy Prime Minister Themba Masuku said in a statement.

Dlamini was moved to South Africa on Dec.1, to “guide and fast track his recovery,” from COVID-19. At that time, Masuku said Dlamini was stable and responding well to treatment.

Dlamini was appointed prime minister in November 2018, following his position as the chief executive officer of MTN Eswatini. He had worked in the banking industry for more than 18 years, including being managing director of Eswatini Nedbank Limited.

The southern African nation of around 1.2 million people has so far recorded 6,768 positive cases of the highly infectious respiratory disease, with 127 confirmed deaths, according to the health ministry.

Cuthbert Ncube, Chairman of African Tourism Board sent his condolences to the statesman’s family, saying it is a sad day for Africa and tourism. Dr. Taleb Rifai, former UNWTO Secretary general and Patron for ATB, echoed this along with leaders around the world.