…. Says English should be used as an intelligence test for children and also supports the Cannabis Bill
BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE – Former Member of Parliament (MP) for Shiselweni II Strydom Mpanza has promised to focus on uplifting culture and the Siswati language for his next term.
Mpanza is awaiting the secondary elections slated for September 29, 2023.
When speaking on his plans for the 12th Parliament he said he wants to focus on some of the motions passed in Parliament which included English should not be a passing subject.
“Finally, the issue of a motion that was passed by Parliament which sought that English should not be a failing subject does not come out clearly, especially at the tertiary level. This language should not be used as an intelligence test. It remains a language for the British,” said Mpanza.
In addition, he mentioned that by instilling cultural values in children, using Siswati would make more sense and be of more value because one never goes wrong with culture.
He went on to say that this year’s election campaign is an exercise he is taking with a different approach, given the fact that he was in office in the 11th Parliament.
Mpanza highlighted that the country was marred by various catastrophic circumstances such as Covid-19 and others.
“This reduced the term to a mere period of less than 24 months. It goes without saying that many laws and projects were left hanging, hence the need to acquire another term to do due diligence on that work,” he said.
He made note of acts such as Farm Dwellers which were still being dealt with when Covid-19 struck.
The amendment was meant to recognise those who live in farms by Farm Owners, especially during the sale of those farms.
“Another bill that needs to be taken to the people is the Cannabis (Dagga) bill which seeks to acquire legal status. The challenge here is not the legality but the fines for those who may be found in possession without a licence. Fines were put at E200 000 with which an offender could be sentenced to 40 years in prison. This would need a critical eye to at least reduce the fines as we know offenders on this one are all over the place,” he said.
When speaking further he said the country’s high unemployment rate is being eased by this illegal form of employment.
“I personally do support the Cannabis Bill with reservations however, on the part of fines. Such fines would definitely cost the Country as many unemployed people would be arrested, thus demanding more Police and Correctional Officers with expanded Police Stations and Correctional Service Institutions.
“Another issue that was still undergoing critical scrutiny was the Labour Brokers motion that sought to
amend certain clauses of the Employment Act. There are two sides to the story even on this one. There
is an employer and an employee where they both disagree on many things. Parliament has to strike a balance,” he said.
In addition, Mpanza said he was happy certain categories in the various economic settings such salaries have been increased as the Ministry of Labour and Social Security disseminated a report recently. There are still conditions of service that need to be ironed out, especially on the part of Security Guards.
He said they raised concerns that their overtime work that is not being compensated, and thus must be looked at and improved where possible.
