Times Of Swaziland: MIXED REACTIONS ON SIBAYA CALL

MIXED REACTIONS ON SIBAYA CALL
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BY SIBONGILE SUKATI, SIBUSISO SHANGE AND STANLEYKHUMALO on 14/07/2021 08:49:00


MBABANE – The King’s call to Sibaya has been met with mixed reactions from
members of the public.
While others said they were happy that the King may finally address the nation
following the pro-democracy protests which culminated in violence, looting and
destruction of property, others said they believed that it was too soon to call
the nation, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic third wave. The King made
the call for Sibaya through Indvuna Themba Ginindza in a press conference held
at Ludzidzini Royal Residence yesterday. The King said all emaSwati should be
seated inside the cattle byre by 10am. The King said the Sibaya proceedings
would be broadcast live so that those who could not make it to the venue could
follow from the comfort of their homesteads through all media channels. The
Monarch emphasised that those who would be following the proceedings through the
media channels should listen attentively to what would be said.
Assured
The King assured the nation that all those who would participate would be tested
for COVID-19 before entering the cattle byre. He said health practitioners would
start work at 7am to ensure that all people were tested for the virus. He
mentioned that tags would be provided to make sure that only those who tested
entered the cattle byre. He encouraged the nation to take the necessary
precautions should they test positive for the virus. However, the call evoked
various reactions from different quarters.
The agenda was not readily available, which left people wondering whether the
King would address the nation or if the floor would be open for emaSwati to
express their views as it happened during the last Sibaya in 2018, before the
announcement of the late Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini as Prime Minister.
Speculated
Others speculated that perhaps a new PM would be unveiled as the position was
currently occupied by Themba Masuku, albeit on an acting basis. According to
Section 232 of the Constitution, Sibaya is the Swazi National Council, which
states that the people, through Sibaya, constitute the highest policy and
advisory council (libandla) of the nation. Section 232 (2) states that the
Sibaya is the Swazi National Council constituted by bantfwabenkhosi, tikhulu of
the real and all adult citizens gathered at the official residence of the Queen
Mother under the chairmanship of iNgwenyama who may delegate the function to any
official. “Sibaya functions as the annual general meeting of the nation, but
maybe convened at any time to present the views of the nation on pressing and
controversial national issues,” reads Subsection (3).