Times Of Swaziland: KING IN STITCHES AS SOME MPS DECLARE CABINET INTEREST

KING IN STITCHES AS SOME MPS DECLARE CABINET INTEREST
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Sibusiso Shange on 08/11/2023 16:28:00


LOZITHA - Some MPs left His Majesty King Mswati III in stitches when marketing
themselves at Mandvulo Grand Hall yesterday.
The legislators were given the opportunity to introduce themselves and further
contribute ideas on how government could best deal with challenges facing the
country in the next five years. Some MPs were bold enough to declare that they
were eligible for Cabinet positions. Among those who showed their boldness were
Mayiwane MP Sicelo Prince Dlamini who said he was ready to serve in Cabinet
should an opportunity avail itself.
Statement
Even though Dlamini made his statement in jest, some of his colleagues believed
it to be true. Lobamba MP Michael Masilela caused laughter when he said he was
expecting the PM position at Sibaya. Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini, also had
his colleagues in stitches when he mentioned that he once worked for the media
and pleaded with the various media houses to play a role in developing the
country as opposed to dwelling on criticism. The King and the MPs, as well as
the audience, burst into laughter when Maphalaleni MP Mabulala Maseko mentioned
that there was a need to implement the programmes that were initiated at the
Ministry of Public Service where he served as minister from 2021 until 2023.
Manzini South MP Owen Nxumalo got the audience talking when he mentioned
successes of the Ministry of Public Services where he was also the head of the
portfolio in the 11th Parliament.
Competition
The audience sensed a competition between Nxumalo and Maseko in the ministerial
position for the Ministry of Public Service. King’s praise singer Mkhemetelo
was heard saying; ‘Sekuyawuvakala e Cabinet’, meaning, it will depend on the
appointments to Cabinet. The introduction of the MPs to the King was witnessed
by former Prime Minister Prince Mabandla Dlamini, emazinyane and some Liqoqo
members. Each MP had three minutes to introduce themselves and then make a brief
presentation. However, some took more than the stipulated three minutes,
resulting in Acting Ludzidzini Governor and the Prime Minister Russell Mmiso
Dlamini reminding them about the allocated time.