- Speaker says Parliament’s core role is representation, legislation and oversight
- Heated debate on MPs’ responsibilities sparks calls for constitutional accuracy
BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
LOBAMBA- The Speaker of the House of Assembly Jabulani Mabuza has reminded Members of Parliament (MPs) that their constitutional mandate is to represent the people, make laws and provide oversight, following a heated debate over the roles and responsibilities of legislators.
The reminder came after Hhohho Regional Women Member of Parliament Tenele Magagula argued that many motions are brought before Parliament without first consulting people in constituencies.
She questioned whether MPs could confidently say every motion debated in the House reflected the views of the public, arguing that this was often not the case.
Responding to the debate, the Speaker urged MPs to remain guided by the Constitution, stressing that the work of Parliament is founded on representation, legislation and oversight.
Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini supported the Speaker, saying MPs have a responsibility to ensure the public receives correct information whenever Parliament debates national issues.
He urged members to cite the relevant constitutional provisions whenever making claims about the duties of MPs.
“When you say a motion must first go to the people before it is brought to Parliament, cite where it is written in the Constitution,” Dlamini said. “If you say it is in the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) laws, tell us where it is stated.”
He argued that requiring every motion to be discussed by the public before reaching Parliament would make it difficult for the House to carry out its legislative work effectively.
Veteran Lobamba Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo, who has served in Parliament for nearly three decades, also challenged the claims, asking where the interpretation of MPs’ roles had been obtained. He said if the provisions were contained in the EBC laws, members should identify the exact sections so that everyone could refer to them.
The sparked public debate on social media, where videos circulating online prompted differing views on the responsibilities of MPs. Some members of the public argued that certain community development responsibilities belong to Tindvuna and Bucopho, rather than Members of Parliament.
The exchange took place during debate on proposed changes to election laws, where MPs also discussed gender representation in Parliament. Some members argued that the current system helps address gender imbalance in leadership, while others questioned aspects of the electoral process. Concerns about discrimination and the treatment of female MPs were also raised.
Earlier this year, Senate President Pastor Lindiwe Dlamini similarly reminded Senators that Parliament’s primary responsibilities are legislation, oversight and representation.
Deputy Speaker Madala Mhlanga also called for greater representation of persons with disabilities in the Senate, while Marwick Khumalo stressed that Eswatini should not have laws that discriminate against any group, saying all MPs, whether elected, appointed or regional representatives, should be treated equally.
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(Courtesy Pic)
