BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
LOBAMBA – Members of Parliament have called on government to tighten oversight of the country’s mining sector, arguing that Eswatini’s vast mineral resources should play a far greater role in lifting the nation out of poverty while ensuring that wealth generated from mining remains in the country.
The calls were made during the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy’s Portfolio Committee First Quarter Performance Reports debate, where legislators questioned whether Eswatini was deriving sufficient value from its gold, coal, greenchert and other mineral resources.
Hhukwini Member of Parliament Alec Lushaba said the ministry held one of the keys to transforming the country’s economy, but warned that poor management of mineral resources could deprive future generations of national wealth.
“Your ministry is the one that can take this country out of poverty,” he said.
Lushaba said while sugar had historically been regarded as one of Eswatini’s major sources of wealth, the country also possessed valuable mineral deposits that should contribute significantly to economic growth.
He said many African countries had built strong economies through mineral extraction and Eswatini should position itself to do the same.
According to the MP, the country’s political stability and peace provided a competitive advantage in attracting responsible mining investment.
“We are lucky to be a peaceful nation. His Majesty has ensured that peace, and this should work to our advantage in growing the mining industry,” he said.
His remarks were echoed by other legislator, who raised concerns over what they described as prolonged mineral sampling by mining companies.
They questioned whether government had established limits on exploration activities.
The concern was that there is legal mining which is also robbing the country of its wealth. The MPs stated that there are people who come under the guise of sampling, but it is not known what the limit or cap for sampling is.
The MPs said minerals such as coal, gold and green chert had been under sampling programmes for years without communities seeing tangible benefits.
Lugongolweni MP Joseph Souza commended the ministry for generating E41.8 million in revenue and praised its responsiveness in reducing fuel prices whenever international prices declined.
However, he questioned why several mining projects announced with much publicity often failed to materialise only months later.
“Many times we even invite royalty to bless the projects, but after three months nothing happens,” he said.
Nhlambeni MP Manzi Zwane also sought clarity on the financial contribution of recently established mines, including greenchert operations.
He asked government to disclose how much revenue the mines were contributing towards national income.
“We have visited the greenchert mine. Are we getting anything from it to assist with the country’s cash flow?” he asked.
Zwane further called for government intervention regarding communities affected by operations at Maloma Colliery.
He said residents who had been promised relocation had instead remained in deteriorating homes.
“Houses have developed cracks and it is bad. The ministry needs to address this issue,” he said.
Matsanjeni South MP Sabelo Ndlangamandla asked whether the E41.8 million revenue reported by the ministry included income collected from mining activities.
Responding to the debate, Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela did not directly answer several of the mining-related questions as he is going to respond in writing.
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