BY THEMBA ZWANE
EZULWINI- Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has presented His Majesty King Mswati III and Eswatini development grand plan to the country’s ambassadors to foreign countries and missions which the latter are to implement abroad.
The premier presented the grand plan which underscores government’s commitment and decisive intent to embark on tangible action for practical results in Eswatini development.
The PM stressed that the grand plan to be presented to ambassadors/missions abroad were in line with His Majesty the King’s mission to attain a First World status for Eswatini.
National development
He pointed to the King recently officially opened state-of-the-art Ezulwini Palazzo as part of key development initiatives aimed at national development, promoting local tourism and strategically placing the kingdom on the global map amongst highly developed states.
The theme of the meeting was ‘aligning Eswatini’s diplomatic missions with government development priorities while strengthening governance, compliance and institutional effectiveness.’
He said the theme of the engagement was both timely and appropriate, and it must guide their deliverances.
“First and foremost, I do want to thank you on behalf of His Majesty’s government for the work that you do far away from home and far away from relatives and some of you far away from those people that you love dearly. This cannot be taken for granted, for what it takes to focus and work every day in a foreign environment away from the place you call home,” he said.
Diplomatic missions
The Prime Minister said to follow on the theme, he wanted to start stating that it was ‘aligning Eswatini’s diplomatic missions with governments with governmental authorities while strengthening governance compliance and institutional effectiveness. governance development priorities through the Office of the Prime Minister.
“Government has presented the current administration’s policy statement. I don’t know how many of you have seen the government policy statement and how many of you can actually articulate it without reading it down. This is imperative that all heads of missions acquaint themselves thoroughly with this policy framework. We are of the firm view that a firm and consistent articulation of this policy in your respective jurisdictions will stimulate interest in strategic partnerships, attract investment and ensure an enhanced institutional collaboration,” he said.
In fact, the PM said, it already has in some quarters and together with other plans. Beyond the policy statement, government has further presented the program of action, a five-year implementation framework. This program, he said, constituted government’s formal response to the mandate that was conferred upon nation by Sibaya.
Six objectives
“This program of action is entered in six objectives encompassing economic growth, infrastructure development, human capital, food sovereignty, social protection and security, and lastly, national security. It is without a doubt ambitious. However, I emphasize that it is achievable, provided that it is embraced collectively and implemented with discipline. It could not be otherwise for the vision of His Majesty the King, which seeks to transform Eswatini into a developed nation, is itself ambitious,” said the Prime Minister.
Dlamini highlighted that the program of action gave practical and actionable expression to that vision. He therefore urged all ambassadors to familiarise themselves comprehensively with the instrument.
“The first objective of the program of action is economic growth. Government has set a target of 12% economic growth, that is gross domestic product (GDP) growth. This target is ambitious, yet realistic. International experience demonstrates that for economic growth to be sustainable and to translate into tangible improvements into people’s lives, into people’s livelihoods, it must be sustained at a double-digit level,” he said.
Achieved growth rate
He also noted that economies that have successfully transformed themselves have consistently achieved growth rates of 10% or more. This target, he said was attainable provided that the program of action is implemented with fidelity.
He said the program clearly identifies the priority infrastructure projects to be completed within the current term of office. In addition, government has developed the grand plan for national transformation, a 30-year strategic framework within which the five-year program of action is embedded.
“For this reason, and notwithstanding resistance encountered in certain quarters, government has exercised prudence in not rushing its formal adoption. Nevertheless, I state without reservation that it is the most comprehensive and coherent plan the Kingdom has produced to date,” said the PM.
Direct participation
He indicated that while it was regrettable that the circumstances did not permit ambassadors’ direct participation during the formulation, the process remained open, for it was dynamic.
“These plans are dynamic instruments, and written submissions addressed to the Office of the Prime Minister are both welcome and encouraged, even to date. It is government expectation that you, as ambassadors, will internalize these plans so as to articulate them authoritatively to the government and institutions to which you are accredited,” he said.
He said the purpose was to secure, where appropriate, technical assistance, development finance, investment partnerships, and tourism promotion. He said the objective was both realistic and attainable.
National transformation
“I must note, however, that although it has been intended to provide you with detailed briefing documents and presentations earlier, fiscal constraints did not permit this at the present time. These materials will nonetheless be developed and availed in due course. The grand plan for national transformation is anchored on three strategic pillars: governance, social development, and economic transformation.”
Under the governance pillar, emphasis is placed on the introduction of performance management systems, capacity building through targeted training and the recruitment of suitably qualified personnel in optimal numbers in order to improve service delivery. The social pillar seeks to institutionalise social protection through legislation, ensuring that such protection is inclusive, meaningful, and responsive, particularly for the elderly, persons with disabilities, and orphans and vulnerable children.
The economic pillar, which is Eswatini major focus, aims to stimulate growth by creating an enabling environment for investment, including the targeted attraction of large-scale enterprises to establish operations within the kingdom.
Commenced implementation
“These are the projects that we refer to them as mega projects. The plan further provides a detailed analysis of the domestic environment and identifies innovative sectors for strategic focus. Government has already commenced implementation, notably by prioritising investment in growth-enhancing initiatives rather than consumption.
He added that the theme for the meeting also touched on issues of governance, compliance, and institutional effectiveness. These, he said, were important elements if they are to translate the country plans into actions and ultimately service delivery, which is the main goal.
“At its core, governance is about the exercise of authority and the manner in which power is well lived, it is also about accountability, transparency, and integrity. As ambassadors, you embody the spirit of diplomacy, and diplomacy is a powerful tool in governance. Governance is such a broad topic, and for the purpose of our meeting, I will confine myself to the aspects which include ethics and operational frameworks,” he said.
Corruption must be addressed
As the kingdom representatives abroad, the PM said ambassadors were expected to adhere to a strict code of ethics and behavioral standards that are beyond reproach, a standard worthy of the position they hold. Currently, he said, one of the main things derailing progress and development in the country was corruption. He strongly warned about corruption which he said diverts vital resources that are to contribute to national development.
On another note, the PM called upon ambassadors to avail required documents for implementation of their long over due salary reviews to the relevant authorities.
The PM challenged ambassadors to be defenders of Eswatini’s unique Tinkhundla Democratic System.
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