… Speaker to be elected today
BY KWANELE TSABEDZE
LOBAMBA – “I swear that I will be trustworthy, I will serve King Mswati, his heirs, and his successors, following the law, so help me God.”
This was the oath taken by newly elected and appointed Members of Parliament when being officially sworn into office at the Parliament of Eswatini at Lobamba today.
The MPs arrived in Parliament early this morning with vibrant energy in the air, as most of the MPs were meeting each other for the first time in their new roles where they will be collaborating in legislating for Eswatini for the next half a decade.
A number of MPs took time to thank their constituencies and the King for entrusting them with the responsibility of serving them and the nation at large.
“We are very humbled that the King may find it appropriate that we may serve him and his people. As he did ask us as the nation to elect women. We say congratulations as women came out with the men and elected each other. As for those who did not make it, there is still an opportunity, they will fight again and have the chance to serve in the future,” said MP Thuli Dladla before the swearing-in ceremony.
Her words were echoed by MP Mabulala Maseko, who thanked his constituency for trusting him to serve for a third consecutive term.
“This means that we work together with the people, we collaborate, and we share the same dreams and goals. This makes me very happy because it gives me the opportunity to learn further. After all, effectiveness in Parliament depends on how much one has learnt. The less you know then the less effective you will be – be it in legislation development, or social issues which affect your community,” noted Maseko.
Veteran politician David Cruiser Ngcamphalala also shared the virtues of a good Member of Parliament, promising to bring these values to yet another term of public service as a Member of Parliament, following his re-election under the Sigwe constituency.
“Elections require someone who puts God first. Following that you must work with the nation and love them all, from the young to the old, and then you must respect them. This work fosters love and respect,” volunteered Ngcamphalala.
The MPs were briefed by the Clerk to Parliament, Benedict Xaba, on parliamentary procedure before they entered the main house. Preceding the swearing-in ceremony were remarks to further orient the new parliamentarians on the order of business for the day by Attorney General Sifiso Khumalo.
The Parliamentarians are expected to vote for the Speaker of the House following the completion of the swearing-in ceremony, as per the Standing Orders. Section 7 of the Standing Orders states that the House shall when all members who are present have been sworn in in terms of Standing Order no. 5 (Members Sworn), provided that a quorum is present, proceed to elect a speaker (as provided or under section 102 of the Constitution).
