Times Of Swaziland: MP CRIES FOUL, SAYS NO LEGAL INSTRUMENT

MP CRIES FOUL, SAYS NO LEGAL INSTRUMENT
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Nhlanganiso Mkhonta on 31/08/2022 08:44:00


MBABANE – Siphofaneni Member of Parliament (MP) Nomalungelo LaZwide Simelane
says the postponement of her thanksgiving service is interference from
government.
In an interview with this publication yesterday, the newly- elected MP said in
this whole situation, she saw gross undermining of women in leadership in this
country.  The MP wondered why her event had to be postponed whereas other events
would continue on the same date. “I believe that just because I am a woman and
known to be an advocate for democracy, then our people’s event has to be
stoped. This has never been heard-of, for an MP’s event to get such
interference from government,” said Simelane. She further wondered if
thanksgiving events were on government’s calendar now.
She said other people’s lives would be progressing as some would be having
weddings, parties and other events but hers must stop. “Does it mean we need
to deem our lights for some people to shine brighter?” asked the MP. Simelane
said she knew that this postponement would hurt the people of Siphofaneni but
then no amount of such would change their zeal to be themselves.  The MP said if
the event was postponed, who would pay the service providers who were booked for
the day. She said artists had contracts and they had to be paid to perform
during the event. “It is sad to note that someone can wake-up to inform you to
postpone (your event) without considering the repercussions,” said Simelane.
She also noted that the thanksgiving ceremony was announced and advertised
before Umhlanga.
instruments
“I requested them to give me the legal instruments upon which they were basing
what they were saying but nothing came to me until this morning when they
delivered the letter,” said the MP. She then revealed that the thanksgiving
service would now be held on September 18, 2022. “For the betterment of my
people, I am humbly asking the people of Siphofaneni to bear with me as I
request them to accept the postponement to the 18th of next month,” added
Simelane.