BY MBONGENI NDLELA
LOBAMBA – Members of Parliament are today expected to engage in one of the most significant sittings of the current session as they deliberate on a wide range of financial, governance and social issues that could have a lasting impact on the country’s economy and public service delivery.
The day’s agenda is heavily dominated by tax legislation, with lawmakers expected to consider key amendments aimed at strengthening Eswatini’s revenue collection system while also debating issues of accountability, employment creation and public service reforms.
Proceedings will begin with the tabling of several Finance Committee reports presented by Committee Chairperson Marwick T. Khumalo. Among the reports are those covering the Customs and Excise Bill, the Customs and Excise (Amendment) Regulations, the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Regulations and a report on the E7 million grant shortfall for deportees. These reports are expected to guide Parliament’s deliberations on strengthening the country’s fiscal and border management systems.
Parliament will also be asked to adopt the Finance Committee’s report on engagements with the Ministers for Finance and Labour and Social Security regarding the continued non-implementation of the Scholarship Revolving Fund Regulations. MPs will further consider the Revenue Stabilisation Fund (Amendment) Regulations before debating the government’s response concerning the affairs of Malerns Town Council.
A substantial portion of today’s sitting will focus on major government Bills sponsored by the Ministry of Finance. Parliament is expected to continue the Second Reading debates on the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, the Eswatini Revenue Service (Amendment) Bill, the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, the Fuel Tax (Amendment) Bill and the Members of Parliament and Designated Office Bearers Pension Fund (Amendment) Bill.
Each Bill is scheduled to proceed through committee consideration before potentially advancing to Third Reading, marking an important stage in the legislative process. Collectively, the Bills seek to modernise tax administration, improve revenue collection mechanisms and refine aspects of the country’s fiscal framework.
Employment opportunities for emaSwati abroad are also expected to feature prominently during question time.
Finance Committee Chairperson Marwick Khumalo has submitted an oral question to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation seeking clarity on whether Eswatini’s embassies are actively facilitating employment opportunities for citizens overseas.
The MP wants government to disclose how many emaSwati have secured jobs through diplomatic missions, particularly in countries such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. He also questions whether Eswatini should pursue bilateral labour agreements similar to those already implemented by countries such as Kenya in order to create more employment opportunities for citizens.
Another debate likely to attract significant public interest concerns a Private Member’s Motion proposing reforms to birth registration procedures through the use of DNA testing in disputed paternity cases.
The motion argues that accurate parentage records are essential for protecting the rights of children, mothers and alleged fathers while promoting transparency and justice. Among the proposals is a call for affordable DNA testing services, counselling support for affected families and amendments to the National Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Act of 2023 to accommodate DNA testing before birth certificates are issued where necessary.
Parliament will also continue considering motions aimed at strengthening public accountability, including a proposed investigation into ESCCOM over allegations relating to overseas travel, escalating construction costs and claims of preferential treatment involving an internet service provider.
Lawmakers will further debate a motion calling for an urgent review of staffing shortages at Eswatini’s embassies and high commissions abroad, together with improved conditions of service for officers serving in foreign missions.
With tax reforms, employment opportunities, diplomatic service delivery, institutional accountability and family law all appearing on today’s agenda, the House of Assembly is expected to hold extensive debates that could shape future government policy and legislative reforms. Observers will be watching closely to see which Bills advance to their final stages and whether Members of Parliament reach consensus on several motions carrying significant economic and social implications for the Kingdom.
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