…MP’s give advice and congratulations
BY KWANELE TSABEDZE
LOBAMBA – “I Russell Mmiso Dlamini, swear true allegiance to His Majesty King Mswati III, his heirs and his successors, according to the law. So help me God”.
This was the oath of office taken by His Excellency the Prime Minister Russel Dlamini at the House of Parliament at Lobamba today.
The new Prime Minister was welcomed to the House of Assembly for the first time today where some Members of Parliament gave words of congratulations and advice, following the PM’s official ascendance to the position of Prime Minister today.
“We congratulate you and welcome you the the House, following that the nation jas sent here to work with these esteemed Members of Parliament in developing the country,” said Speaker of the House of Assembly Jabulani Mabuza.
Mabuza also encouraged the PM to take heed of certain bible lessons, and to make sure that he cooperates with all the stakeholders of Government as he executes his duties as Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini. MP Princess Lindiwe Dlamini expressed similar sentiments.
“We heard His Majesty request that the nation pray with him for the right Prime Minister, and this is what we are seeing here today. We saw you take your responsibilities very seriously and with haste while working under the the National Disaster Management Agency, and we hope to see that spirit as you execute your new responsibilities,” said Princess Lindiwe.
Kukhanyeni MP Apollo Maphalala expressed an appreciation that the PM is someone who believes in God, echoing what was said by the Speaker as well as Princess Lindiwe.
“I am happy to note that the PM has God as his anchor, which means even though the anchor cannot be seen, he will not be swayed by temporary waves,” said Maphalala.
Maphalala also noted that the age-mix of the House of Assembly is well balanced, as the PM is also a youthful man, albeit an experienced senior.
Nkwene MP Sikhumbuzo Dlamini also expressed that he was appreciative of the fact that the PM was appointed based on the public’s advice to the the King. He also advised that the should be accessible to the House of Assembly.
“Even though the PM is the head of all Government and is sometimes busy with national assignments, we request that the Prime Minister avail himself to the House of Assembly where he is a member, as this is where he will get consensus advice,” said the Nkwene MP.
Manzini South MP Owen Nxumalo took his time to advise the Prime Minister to defend the monarchy.
“We are requesting that when there are conflicts, the Prime Minister should be available to defend the monarchy,” said the MP.
Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini also gave words of congratulations and some advice to the new Prime Minister.
“His Majesty’s words were very eloquent as to where the nation should be headed. The issue of poverty was a resounding one at the Sibaya People’s Parliament. As an MP from Mbabane, I’m aware that some do not believe in urban poverty, and I’m here to attest that it actually has some of the worser effects,” said Dlamini.
He added that he was happy that His Majesty recognized that the best person to be PM is one who will be able to manage the issue of poverty as a disaster at a national scale.
Sigwe MP David Ngcamphalala also began his congratulatory remarks by thanking His Majesty for appointing the effective Russell Dlamini as the Prime Minister. He further warned the PM to be aware that there will be issues which will make him highly emotional, advising him to always keep his emotional state in check when making decisions. The veteran MP went on to advise the PM on priorities he should consider as he begins his work.
“We should start with the Decentralisation Bill which has been blessed by His Majesty, which means what is next is that it be deliberated in the House of Assembly,” advised the Sigwe MP.
Following the Sigwe MP was Member of Parliament Mancoba Khumalo.
“Emaswati said that they want to see Parliament and Government working together,” noted MP Khumalo.
He further advised that the PM should work closely with portfolio committees, as that would ensure that the Government and Parliament indeed work in tandem.
The Prime Minister received all the advice and congratulations with humility as he sat for his first session in the House of Assembly.
