BY ANDREW DLAMINI AND KWANELE TSABEDZE
LUDZIDZINI – Accountability, accountability, accountability.
These was the resounding principle when Paul Dlamini from Nkiliji when started off the panel discussions at the Sibaya people’s parliament today. Dlamini was called upon to discuss the crises that the country has been through, which included the social unrest in 2021 and the current health crises.
“What advice can you give to Government in response to such crises as the June 2021 unrest? It is also well-reported in the media that there is a drug shortage in the country, what would you do to address these situations if you were the captain of the ship?” asked Acting Ludzidzini Governor Mashampu Khumalo.
In answering, Paul Dlamini suggested that when members of the public raise concerns, they should be dealt with before they negatively affect more people. He suggested that the unrest can be caused by not understanding what it is that people are asking for, highlighting that dialogue is important in such situations.
“There comes a time when it is impossible to dialogue, and that is where force comes into play. It is important to note when the situation gets anarchic, there should be ways to bring order, as we all answer to some laws,” added Dlamini.
When answering questions about the unrest Dlamini suggested the police should be friendly with the police. He encouraged the public to be close with the police, and that the police should be quick to deal with any cases or conflicts that come across their desks.
Dlamini also encouraged parents to raise their kids well so that it is harder for outside elements to use them for dangerous and unlawful activities, as they were used during the social unrest in 2021. He advised that the education practitioners should also be professionally catered for, so that they do not get disillusioned or lose focus as to what their core mandate is.
He went on to speak on the issue of drug shortages in the country.
“The health sector requires more accountability because a lot of people get affected. We need to make sure that there are controls like stock tally cards to make sure that the drugs are ordered to restock before they run out,” he said.
When pressed on the practical solutions for the health crises, Dlamini advised of certain solutions to combat the drug shortages.
“There should be stock controls for each level of the procurement. There should be inquiries whenever there is stock which is reportedly missing, to make sure that the responsible parties are held accountable,” suggested Dlamini.
He suggested that corruption should be blind, such that every person who is involved in the disappearance of drugs should be held accountable.
Dlamini was speaking as the first panelist at the Sibaya people’s parliament Day 4 panel discussions.
He was followed by Mabili Dlamini who presented on Education and the collaboration between the three arms of Government.
