CABINET AT STORMING STAGE?

The nature of the work relationship between the Prime Minister (PM) Russell Dlamini and the Minister for Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Savannah Maziya is back in the news.

It has been raised by Members of Parliament (MPs) that, once again, a rift exists within Cabinet, this time escalating to the level of the PM refusing to authorise official travel for the minister. The PM denies such a rift between them or with any other Cabinet minister. However, he said it is normal while building a team to go through four stages, namely: Forming, storming, norming and performing.

He said each stage reveals different characteristics of team members, allowing for a deeper understanding of what each individual contributes to the team. He was probably referring to the Tuckman’s stages of group development. The model bears the name of the psychologist who created it.

Stage

In his analogy, the PM did not, however, specify at which stage his team development exercise was in, except to say differences form part of their work. This leaves us to assume that the current differences place the exercise at the storming stage. That being the case, we have good reason to be concerned over how long it is taking him to get the team performing given the ‘nkwe’ (urgency) mandate.It is essential for the PM to be transparent regarding the reported divisions within Eswatini’s Cabinet, particularly following the startling revelation that the minister has been personally funding her official travel expenses.

This is a matter of grave concern, especially if these trips include her attendance at the World Governments Summit in Dubai last month. Minister Maziya’s presence at this summit was not merely ceremonial; she was to assume a significant role as Chairperson of the Global Council on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5.

This event, attended and addressed by His Majesty the King, saw five ministers travel to Dubai. Yet, it was the ICT minister who held the most prominent global responsibility. Her new position requires the minister and her council to spearhead global initiatives focused on gender equality. She was not only to officially undertake this global task, raising the nation’s flag, but was also a panellist during a key session.

Approved

The PM told parliament that he had to decide who should travel after 10 ministers expressed their intent to accompany the King to the Dubai Summit but was not specific on whose travel he approved or rejected. Given the roles each minister was expected to play, the choice was obvious. With the exception of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Pholile Shakantu, the ICT minister was an essential delegate.

Undoubtedly, the PM has the authority to authorise travel, but it is crucial to exercise this authority in the country’s best interests. The PM was due to deliver written responses to the MPs yesterday and I do hope it details all the travels by Cabinet ministers, outlining the purpose and benefit for the country. It should include trips declined and why. This is important to determine if the minister who funded her own trip, denied by the PM, left office for an unauthorised ‘holiday.’ In that case, self-funding was necessary, but they must then account for days absent from duty.

On the other hand, the report would also help us discern if the taxpayer was not made to fund unauthorised ‘holidays.’ Reports indicating the assignment of some ministers to attend meetings intended for other line ministries would gain further clarity. Minister Maziya’s professional and ethical conduct, coupled with her business acumen, has not endeared her to some, no doubt. She is resolute and leads a pivotal ministry that has faced significant challenges.

Since assuming office, Minister Maziya has made impactful decisions, notably the ongoing changes at the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP). An investigation is now underway to examine the institution’s operations, which have yet to deliver on their mandate despite substantial financial investment.

She has also resisted pressure to appoint a CEO from vested interests at the RSTP, insisting on adherence to due process and legal channels. Furthermore, she is overseeing the government digitalisation programme, aimed at delivering government services via mobile platforms. This lucrative contract, attracting significant interest from political and business sectors, is yet to be tendered, despite attempts by interested parties to influence the process.

Minister Maziya also oversees the media but has, notably, never attended the Eswatini Editors Forum breakfast meeting with the prime minister. She advocates for media self-regulation, despite others desiring State control. Her resilience and refusal to compromise her integrity are commendable. This is what has made her a successful businesswoman and it is no coincidence that her appointment was seen as a significant asset to the country. So why would we want to frustrate her?

Resource

Minister Maziya, in one of her early speeches last year, offered herself as a resource to the nation, particularly to women, to help them achieve their aspirations. She said: “The world appreciates me more than you do; the world uses me more than you do. I am a resource, and I promise you, if we work together in this country, we can achieve greatness. Stay out of our way and we can achieve more; support us and this country will have First World status.”

So, are we truly valuing her contributions, or are we impeding national progress? The public deserves answers. The PM needs to understand that while team dynamics are complex, the nation cannot afford prolonged internal discord. The ‘storming’ phase must be resolved swiftly to allow Cabinet to transition to a ‘performing’ stage, where collective efforts drive Eswatini’s development. The public’s trust hinges on the PM’s ability to navigate these challenges and ensure that all ministers are empowered to contribute their best to the nation.
 

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