BY THEMBA ZWANE
LOBAMBA – The Attorney General (AG), Sifiso Mashampu Khumalo, read Standing Orders on Parliamentary conduct pieces of legislature in Parliament after Members of Parliament (MPs) raised concerns of misconduct and bringing the house into disrepute.
The matter was first raised by Mbabane East Member of Parliament, Welcome Dlamini, and was duly supported by Lobamba Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo among other members.
This was during the ordinary sitting of the House of Assembly where other business included the passing of the Appropriation Bill No. 1 and 2 of 2026 (The budget and Supplementary Budget).
“I stand up as per the Standing Order 66 and I want to seek clarification, Mr. Speaker, I want to ask for Mr. Speaker’s advice with assistance of the Attorney General about the conduct of members of the House where one of our own would go to another Chamber to speak badly about this House and its members, effectively bringing this House into disrepute,” said the MP.
He continued and said the member allegedly informed the House of Senate that the House of Assembly was not honourable, the same House where he was also a member. Dlamini said the alleged member, whom he did not mention at first, allegedly said members of the House of Assembly took decisions based on bribes and those were allegedly the member’s exact words.
“In the Constitution which we are all supposed to defend as MPs being led by the owner of this country, he said this House removed certain provisions of it to suit interests of these MPs. We are supposed to defend the Constitution, but if we are seen to be poking holes to it, what does it say about us?” he asked rhetorically.
He asked what could be the Speaker (Jabulani ‘Buy Cash’ Mabuza’s) advice; he wanted to know if such an act did amount to bringing the House into disrepute, especially in the matter of the Constitution and standing orders. He said the Constitution was endorsed at Sibaya when all were present.
“Are we still worthy of the office that we hold if we question the very same constitution which is His Majesty the King assented to? May I kindly get your guidance, Mr. Speaker, or advice on our conduct as MPs.”
The Speaker thanked the Mbabane East MP and asked if he could identify the alleged member as he was not sure of the authenticity of the allegations and said he did not think as the alleged member, so it was impossible for him (Mabuza) to have answers that the alleged member could provide inasmuch as the allegations were concerned.
“What I can say in general is that it is not okay for any member of either House, Assembly or Senate, to commit malice with intention. That is unacceptable. It should not be done,” said Mabuza.
He said that was a general comment as the MP had not specifically named the alleged MP. He also requested MPs to remain honourable and called for mutual respect from both houses. It was then that the Mbabane East MP responded, “It’s the Right Honourable Prime Minister.”
Lobamba Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo asked for the view of the AG on the matter. He said this was a political forum and such issues are not to be pushed under the carpet as they have tendencies of recurring. He said they should be allowed to deliberate on it as they were all MPs and not above the law.
The AG, after being asked by the Speaker to add on the matter, said he was not aware of the facts and could not confirm its veracity. He said he could only warn on conduct of members. He added that the members of both houses’ conduct were governed by Standing Orders. He quoted Standing Order 183 and 184. He cited, 183(1), “A member shall at all times conduct himself or herself in a manner that upholds the dignity, integrity, and decorum of the House.” The cited 183(2), “A member shall not act in a manner that brings the House or other members generally into disrepute.” Then paraphrased 184, and he said, speaks on what was basically the parliamentary decorum and etiquette.
The Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thulisile Dladla called for House-keeping to sort out differences and was supported by Lobamba MP Michael Masilela.
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