By Mbono Mdluli
LOBAMBA – Five Members of Parliament (MPs) have been elected by the House of Assembly to formally express gratitude to His Majesty King Mswati III for delivering a commendable Speech from the Throne.
The election took place on February 5, 2025, during the first sitting of the House of Assembly for the year. The elected MPs, in order of election, include Lobamba MP Micheal Masilela, Mangcongco MP Lomalanga Dlamini, Chief Ngalonkhulu Mabuza, Dvokodvweni MP Sifiso Shabalala, and Prince Lindani.
During the session, Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini moved a motion urging his fellow MPs to take the time to thank the King for his address during the opening of the Second Session of the 12th Parliament. The Prime Minister described the Speech from the Throne as a powerful policy directive guiding Emaswati on ways to enhance the country’s socio-economic status.
Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development, Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, supported the Prime Minister’s motion, highlighting that it was now the responsibility of both the government and the citizens to implement the King’s directives. “The King stated that as civil servants, we must serve Emaswati, and they should not bow down to us,” Dlamini noted.
Dlamini further mentioned that the King emphasized the importance of addressing issues concerning the elderly, particularly increasing their grants. He commended the King for urging Emaswati to resist negative external influences.
Hhohho Regional MP Tanele Magagula expressed admiration for the prayer mentioned by the King in his speech, stating that such an inclusion was uncommon but significant.
MP Thembeni Magongo also praised the King for delivering a strong speech, particularly appreciating his emphasis on prayer. Hosea MP Sifiso Mabuza thanked the Prime Minister for the motion and expressed his gratitude to the King, stating that he appreciated the increase in elderly grants. He humorously remarked that he hoped the King would increase the grants again before his term as an MP ended.
Ngwemphisi MP Bhekibandla Vilakati described the Speech from the Throne as a blessing unique to Eswatini. He appreciated that the King’s address was grounded in faith and voiced concerns about media misrepresentation of some of the King’s statements.
Sigwe MP David ‘Cruiser’ Ngcamphalala commended the King’s emphasis on infrastructure development, stating that a strong economy requires adequate infrastructure. He also noted the King’s focus on maintaining dams, which are crucial for farming and ensuring food security. He wished the King continued wisdom for the nation’s prosperity.
House of Assembly Speaker Jabulani Mabuza echoed similar sentiments, lauding the King for acknowledging that leadership requires divine wisdom.
