After the country gained independence, many of Jehovah’s people were compelled to show where they stood on the neutrality issue. One of the district chiefs called upon a pioneer to attend a political meeting. When the brother did not attend, he was called before the chief to account for his absence. He explained his position as a Christian neutral. The chief threatened to deport him but said that he would first refer the matter to King Sobhuza II, whom he planned to visit. King Sobhuza II advised the chief that Jehovah’s witnesses should be left alone because they did not belong to any political party and were peaceful, neutral people.

On April 2, 1975, the clergy made accusations against Jehovah’s witnesses before King Sobhuza II, saying that they do not mourn when someone dies, but treat the dead disrespectfully. On this occasion only a few of our brothers were present. Hence, the king arranged for another meeting to be held on May 3, 1975, so that more people could be present and the matter could be discussed in greater detail. The meeting was held at Lozitha, out in the open, and all those who attended sat on the ground under a few trees. The king himself was not present at the meeting, but the Minister of Agriculture served as chairman.