By Mbono Mdluli
EZULWINI – Only the best ideas presented during the 2025 Cabinet Retreat will be considered for implementation, regardless of who proposes them.
This was emphasised by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini on January 20, 2025, during his opening remarks at the retreat held at Royal Villas, Ezulwini.
The retreat is expected to run until Friday this week. The Prime Minister made these remarks to encourage robust debate among Cabinet ministers, principal secretaries (PSs), and other attendees.
The premier echoed sentiments expressed by Reverend Dr. Johannes Vuyisile Mazibuko, leader of the Mbabane Alliance, who was invited to share the Word of God with the Cabinet. In his sermon, Dr. Mazibuko urged attendees to embrace egalitarianism, a culture where everyone is considered equal.
According to sources like Wiley Online Library, Investopedia, and Wikipedia, egalitarianism is a cultural orientation that advocates for all people’s equality and equal treatment. It is a political philosophy emphasising equal opportunities for all, irrespective of their background.
Characteristics of Egalitarian Cultures:
- Equality: People are treated equally regardless of race, gender, religion, or age.
- Access: Everyone has equal access to resources, education, and opportunities.
- Responsibility: Individuals feel empowered to request responsibilities and tasks.
- Initiative: Taking initiative is encouraged.
- Diversity: People from diverse educational and socioeconomic backgrounds work and socialize together.
- Inclusion: Managers are inclusive and act as coaches.
In his address, Prime Minister Dlamini expressed gratitude to Dr. Mazibuko for highlighting the importance of egalitarianism in his sermon. The PM stressed that this principle should be encouraged to ensure people feel confident speaking their minds without fear of confrontation.
The Prime Minister noted that brilliant ideas often emerge from robust dialogue, where individuals engage freely, even with those they perceive as more senior or influential.
He also urged participants to adopt a results-oriented approach, emphasizing that their outcomes should leave a lasting impact on the country’s development. The retreat serves as an opportunity for the Cabinet to review the government’s achievements over the past financial year and to strategize for implementing new policies and action plans.