BY KWANELE TSABEDZE
LOBAMBA – “We salute our monarchical democracy, which will be in full display today.”
These were the words of Clerk to Parliament Benedict Xaba when beginning the elections process for the four women representative Members of Parliament (MP’s) today at the House of Assembly in Lobamba.
The elections began with clarifications on the elections process, as MPs asked a few questions which were clarified by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Jabulani Mabuza.
The first regional MP to be elected was Tanele Zanele Magagula from the Hhohho region. Speaking shortly after being confirmed as an MP-elect, Magagula expressed that she was most interested to work with the Arts and Culture department, as well as youth issues in the country.
“I promise that I will have an impact in schools and at Tinkhundla, I will have an impact. We will take the curriculum back to the communities to get the people’s views on it. It has outdated things, and we should do away with those things and incorporate what is relevant to society today,” said the Hhohho MP-elect, sharing some of her priority issues as a legislator.
Thandeka A Mavuso from the Manzini Region was the second to be elected as a Regional MP.
“I would like to thank God, as well as thank the honourable Members of Parliament who trusted me. I promise to work very hard on the issues which affect the nation. I promise to be a great asset to my colleagues, be reliable, and to work with integrity,” promised Manzini Region MP-elect soon after being elected by the House of Assembly.
Lindiwe Mamba
The other women who were elected by the MP’s to join them in the 12th Parliament were Lindiwe Mamba from Shiselweni, and Futhi Ngcamphalala from the Lubombo Region.
Futhi Ngcamphalala
Clerk to Parliament Benedict Xaba also noted that this composition of MP’s is historical, as there has never been this many female reproductives who are MP’s. His Majesty King Mswati III also made history in appointing Thuli Dladla as the first female Deputy Prime Minister of Eswatini, following consultations with members of the public at the 2023 Sibaya People’s Parliament.
