BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE- The Deputy Prime Minister Themba Nhlanganiso Masuku has called for calm so dialogue can take place.
He was speaking during a press conference held today at the Cabinet in Mbabane. Masuku said if people were to calm down and stopped intimidating each other the dialogue would take place sooner than anticipated.
“I’m sure if people were to calm down and be open to hearing the next person’s point of view we would have dialogue sooner than anticipated. We all have things to say and views to share we can give each other a chance if we stopped with the intimidation, people need to calm down,” said Masuku.
In addition to that he said he found it necessary even today to re-affirm the State’s continued commitment to the national dialogue and this commitment had not changed one bit.
“A national dialogue is the only way or mechanism that we have and that we have used in the past to chart a way forward in the political, social and economic development spaces. We have our operating national Constitution to prove that a constitutional dialogue works,” he said.
The DPM was actually speaking on the anticipated shut down of the country set to take place on December 13, 2022.
When speaking more about the ‘shut down’ he stated categorically that the transport industry would be open and operating on the said day.
He further mentioned that government would continue to discharge its responsibility and do everything necessary and within its core mandate to protect life, human rights, property, the rule of law and the economy at large. Masuku asked the Nation to remain calm and vigilant under the prevailing circumstances.
“Today, I want to categorically and clearly share with emaSwati and those who reside in this great Kingdom. The government’s position on the threats to disrupt the country’s transportation system planned for December 13, 2022.
“This evil threat is planned by irresponsible individuals and pressure groups that enjoy and take pleasure in seeing people suffer while they benefit immensely from resources provided by their inconsiderate handlers. Government’s position to this threat is clear; this threat will not be allowed to happen, period. We are determined it will be business as usual,” he said.
Masuku said the government will continue to discharge its paramount mandate and responsibility to protect the Nation from deprivation of their constitutional rights by a few individuals and pressure organisations who harbour dangerous ulterior and selfish motives without any known plan to improve livelihoods of the people
“The transport sector will operate. This sector is not apolitical organisation, but a sector that moves people, goods, and services. Government will stand together with the owners and those who work in this sector.
“Transportation is the heart of a Nation and is necessary for the development of the country. This is how; Transportation of medication to health facilities, transporting people who seek medical attention such as in dialysis, chemotherapy, emergency operations and more,” he said.
