BY PHUMELELE MKHONTA
MBABANE– Big ups to the Government of Eswatini!
These words of praise were said by One Billion Rising Africa Regional Colani Coordinator Hlatjwako, commending the government for appointing a woman as Acting Prime Minister- Honourable Pholile Shakantu.
As per the norm, when the Prime Minister is out of the country on an official visit, the Deputy Prime Minister assumes office as Acting Prime Minister. Worth noting is that Prime Minister Cleopas is currently in the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the DPM, Themba Masuku, is in the United States for a UN conference.
The Honourable Shakantu has been acting PM for about three days now.
“The appointment of Shakantu means our Government is now aware of the potential women have. This is a first of its kind.
“We appeal to the Government of Eswatini to appoint more women into power,” said Hlatjwako.
When sought for comment, Deputy Government Spokesperson Thabisile Mdluli said His Majesty’s Government is an advocate of women empowerment, which is supported by policies on gender mainstreaming such as the National Gender Policy 2010.
“This is why our call as, Government, has always been for women to rise and take up their rightful positions; be it in the economy, in politics, in the corporate world, in science and technology, leadership in general, or any other.
“Having a woman act as both the country’s Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister is an affirmation that women CAN and are capable leaders and can no longer just be confined to the home-maker tag,” said Mdluli.
She further said as they were heading for National elections, this is a chance for emaSwati to show confidence in women.
“Let’s vote for women,” she said.
