By Mbono Mdluli
MBABANE – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has reaffirmed his claim that a cabal exists in the country.
On March 17, 2025, he reiterated this assertion while appearing before the senators in the House of Assembly during the 2024/25 annual performance debate for the Private and Cabinet Offices. The session was attended by senators who are members of the Offices’ portfolio committee.
Addressing the senators, the prime minister stated that intelligence investigations had yielded tangible evidence supporting his claim. He further revealed that some parliamentarians were being influenced by this cabal—some knowingly and others unknowingly.
Dlamini’s remarks came in response to Senator Siphelele Mkhonta, who had asked him to identify the individuals involved in the alleged cabal. Mkhonta, while justifying his inquiry, expressed concern that, as a parliamentarian, he was directly affected by the prime minister’s statement, particularly since the cabal was said to be exerting influence over legislators. He urged Dlamini to clarify what he meant by the cabal’s existence in the country.
Mkhonta further argued that the Legislature was a respected institution comprising influential figures, including princes, princesses, chiefs, and elected senators and Members of Parliament (MPs) from all constituencies. He also pointed out that some legislators were appointed by His Majesty the King, making it difficult for him to accept the notion that such a distinguished institution could be controlled by a cabal.
Senator Lindiwe Ngwenya echoed Mkhonta’s sentiments, also seeking clarity on the matter. She urged the prime minister to elaborate on his comments regarding the cabal.
In response, Dlamini assured the senators that the Private and Cabinet Offices had access to privileged information unavailable to other individuals and institutions. He insisted that his claims were based on credible intelligence sources from various institutions across the country. He expressed regret that some members of the cabal were aware they were being closely monitored, while others were not. He advised lawmakers not to dismiss the reality of the cabal’s existence.
A “cabal” refers to a secretive group or clique, often with political or manipulative intentions, operating through intrigue and secrecy. The term typically carries negative connotations, implying conspiracy, political intrigue, and a lack of transparency. In 17th-century England, “cabal” was used to describe a secret or extralegal council of the king, particularly a foreign committee of the Privy Council. Notably, the initials of five key members—Clifford, Arlington, Buckingham, Ashley Cooper, and Lauderdale—formed the acronym “CABAL.”
