…..PM Russell Dlamini’s maiden speech unpacks how govt will respond to Sibaya’s submissions
STORIES BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini says government will formulate and immediately start implementing a short to medium-term plan on the Sibaya submissions.
As evidenced since the beginning of the week, cabinet ministers have wasted no time but instead responded to the Nkhwe command. From swearing-in, the ministers have engaged staff in their various ministries, toured projects, and attended to national assignments like hyperactive children.
This evening, the premier explained that the short to medium-term plan will precede the development of the country’s long-term plan, the Grand Plan.
The head of government disclosed that the Grand Plan will seek to modernize the country based on the Tinkhundla System as a vehicle for development.
He said the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development will therefore be strengthened institutionally.
“Embedded in the long-term plan will be the country’s socio-economic development model and the investment models that will be at the centre of government’s plans and operations and will transform both the economic and social outlook, through investment attraction and job creation,” he said.
Speaking at during a press briefing at Cabinet offices, the PM said government hopes to create an environment that will attract investment, foster exponential growth, and nurture innovation ultimately ensuring sustainable job opportunities and well-being for all.
“Within the next five years, and building on the work of our predecessors, government, the private sector, our international partners, and all emaSwati will together transform our economy, create jobs, reduce poverty, and build strong institutions to ensure efficient service delivery and ensure growth,” he said.
The PM first expressed his gratitude to His Majesty King Mswati III and Her Majesty the Queen Mother for bequeathing their extraordinary trust in him by appointing him as the Head of Government and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
He said the weight of the responsibility that has been entrusted upon him as the new PM and the new Cabinet Ministers is enormous and it carries the hopes and aspirations of all emaSwati as submitted during the recent historic Sibaya.
“The multiple crises of poverty, unemployment, gender-based violence, corruption, and health services provision, among other issues that the Kingdom of Eswatini is confronted with, are surmountable but require all emaSwati to rethink their identity, maintain their cohesion and work hard to steer our development aspirations in the right direction. To outline our bold agenda for the next five years, it is prudent and imperative that we recall the spirit of Sibaya and summon the strength of resolute patriotism to the Kingdom. It is, after all, the land our forefathers left for us “live lenkhaba yetfu” and the only country where we surely ever genuinely feel at home. Being Pan African is not a foreign notion to us but an inborn instinct that, like “Buntfu betfu” must be carefully nurtured for generations to come,” he said.
The PM also commended the previous politicians for their work which ensured that the country remained afloat to today and that government business continues unabated.
He stated that government, under the new administration, will rigorously pursue the vision of Eswatini attaining first-world status and being identified as a “developed country.”
“The government will focus on a few priorities through a sustainable, and integrated approach. It is imperative that emaSwati and the government they elected chart their path and resist the temptation of being tossed backwards and forward, spreading the budget too thinly, and doing too many things; resulting in achieving very little,” he said.
Govt to value every Eswatini citizen
MBABANE – Prime Minister Russell Dlamini says government will work towards a society where every citizen, including persons with disabilities, women and children as well as the elderly feel safe and valued.
“We will improve the education curricula to reflect our African Values and instil a winning mindset. The curricula of vocational institutions will be strengthened with business acumen. We will strengthen the healthcare system by finding a lasting solution to the current crisis and strategically increasing the focus on preventive health. Government will give due attention to social services on which the poor and vulnerable depend,” he said.
The premier said the potential of Agriculture will be harnessed to employ many of Eswatini’s unemployed youth. He said this will be through large commercialisation projects, mechanisation and building strong market systems that offer attractive returns to individual farmers.
“We will ensure that our agriculture systems are adapted to climate change while fostering resilience and ensuring food security and sovereignty,” he said.
Eswatini infrastructure to reflect think big mindset
MBABANE – PM Russell Dlamini says Eswatini’s infrastructure development plans will be ambitious and reflective of the mindset of thinking big.
“With a majority of people predicted to live in cities, the future is urban, and we must build resilient infrastructure that is long-lasting. Government will endeavour to complete all outstanding projects and ensure that new projects are cost-effective, timeously completed, and responsive to the needs of the people,” he said.
He said as part of the Global community, Eswatini will continue to consider important global issues such as the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals, climate change initiatives, and disaster risk reduction.
“The Kingdom of Eswatini is forearmed and must not be caught off-guard by any hazardous event, whether natural or man-made, such as the recent upheavals and COVID-19,” he said.
PM’s promise on corruption fight
MBABANE – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has promised that his administration will fight corruption by ensuring that the public sector acts in the interest of the people, by being transparent and accountable, and by exposing corrupt activities. He said the capacity of all government institutions that have a role in fighting and eradicating corruption will be significantly strengthened.
“We will promote the rule of law and strengthen the capacity of Police Services to enforce the Laws of our land. The need to inculcate a culture of excellence reverberated throughout Sibaya submissions. Our roadmap for development and economic growth shall therefore be underpinned by a demonstration of excellence. This administration plans to remodel Public Service in line with the culture of excellence to ensure efficient service delivery,” he said.
