By EPN Reporter
MBABANE – His Majesty King Mswati III has confirmed February 9, 2024 as the date on which the First Session of the 12th Parliament will be open.
This means the Legislature will be opened next week Friday, marking the beginning of the work for all the elected and appointed legislators. The announcement was made by House of Assembly Speaker Jabulani Mabuza yesterday.
Mabuza said this during the press conference in Parliament. Mabuza was with Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini and Clerk to Parliament Benedict Xaba when making the announcement. Mabuza told the gathering that preparations for this big day were now at an advanced stage.
“His Majesty the King has blessed February 9, 2024 as the right date for the opening of the First Session of the 12th Parliament,” Mabuza said. Mabuza reminded Emaswati that there would be the Speech from the Throne during the opening of Parliament. The Speech from the Throne was delivered by none other than His Majesty the King.
Speaking about the Speech from the Throne, Mabuza stated that it was important because that was when the King was setting the direction that needed to be taken by the country’s policy makers, including the legislators, senior Government officials, such as principal secretaries (PSs), under secretaries (USs) and policy makers of the country’s companies that contribute to the country’s economy.
During the Speech from the Throne, the King gave guidance on pressing issues that needed urgent attention of all Emaswati during the course of that particular year. “Whenever the King speaks during such an important event, he gives guidance to all Emaswati, including Palriament and the Executive, on what needs to be done this year,” Mabuza said.
Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini echoed Mabuza’s words, stating that this day was very important and Emaswati needed to do what was expected of them. She pleaded with everyone who would attend the event to either dress formally or wear the traditional attire of Emaswati. This publication reported last week that the opening of Parliament was slated for January 9, 2024.
