LOBAMBA – Today marked a historic day for the Kingdom of Eswatini following that appointed Prime Minister Cleopas Sipho Dlamini was sworn in to office.
His appointment has brought hope to many Emaswati following that government is currently faced with a mammoth task of restoring hope and confidence after the unrest that left many businesses looted and vandalized. As tasked by His Majesty the King, the new PM is expected to hit the ground running by rescuing the country’s economy while addressing the thorny issue of job creation. He is a ardent economist who has a rich history in this sector. He takes over the office six months after the demise of Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini who succumbed from COVID-19 relaated illnesses.
The swearing in ceremony, which was attended by among others members of parliament, took place in Parliament this afternoon. The Master of the Ceremony was Victor Nxumalo, the Secretary to Cabinet, who said the event will be brief. He first called upon Reverend Gcina Masuku from the Methodis Church to open with a prayer. Immediately after the prayer Nxumalo called upon the Attorney General Sifiso Mashampu Khumalo to administer the Oath in terms of Section 128 of the Eswatini Constitution as a new member of the House of Assembly. The incoming PM was further made to take the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath for the due execution of office in terms of 73.
This section read as follows:
73. Oaths of office A Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister or Minister shall, before assuming the duties of office take and subscribe the oath of allegiance and the oath for the due execution of office as set out in the Second Schedule.
74. Secretary to Cabinet
1. There shall be a Secretary to the Cabinet who shall be the head of the public service and whose office shall be a public office.
2. The King, in appointing the Secretary to Cabinet, shall act on the advice of the Prime Minister after recommendation by the Civil Service Commission.
3. The Secretary to Cabinet shall, in addition to any other functions, which may be conferred by the Prime Minister or by any other law
– a. be chief adviser to the Prime Minister on management systems, structures and organization of Ministries;
b. review and monitor the overall performance of each Ministry in implementing government policies and programmes, including the discharge by the Principal Secretaries of their functions;
c. have charge of Cabinet office and be responsible in accordance with the instructions given by the Prime Minister, for arranging the business and keeping the minutes of the Cabinet and for conveying decisions made in Cabinet to the appropriate authorities.
His Excellency Cleopas Sipho Dlamini is sworn in as a Member of the House of Assembly.
