Times Of Swaziland: CABINET RIFT: SAVANNAH PAYS FOR TRIPS FROM OWN POCKET

CABINET RIFT: SAVANNAH PAYS FOR TRIPS FROM OWN POCKET
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Sabelo Majola on 05/03/2025 08:32:00


MBABANE – Members of Parliament (MPs) have voiced their concerns regarding a
potential rift within the Cabinet that appears to be adversely affecting
ministerial performance.
During the debate of the Prime Minister’s Annual Performance Report for the
Financial Year 2024/25 in Parliament yesterday, legislators openly discussed the
suspected discord among Cabinet members, noting that one minister has reportedly
been banned from external travel.
Ngudzeni MP Charles Ndlovu revealed that, due to this potential rift, Minister
of Information, Communication and Technology, Savannah Maziya, has been
financing her travel from her own pocket. Ndlovu expressed that the situation is
alarming, as he has learnt that some officials within the Ministry of ICT are
now reporting directly to the Prime Minister, rather than to the minister
herself.
Additionally, Ndlovu highlighted that the Ministry of ICT has significant
initiatives planned that require substantial funding; however, the budget
allocated to the ministry is insufficient for its ambitious goals. He urged:
“If there are any differences within Cabinet, kindly resolve them to ensure
that the ministries can effectively execute their respective mandates for the
benefit of emaSwati.”
Ntondozi MP Peter Ngwenya also noted that the prime minister (PM), while
delivering his opening remarks, neglected to acknowledge Maziya’s election as
Chairperson of the Global Council on Sustainable Development Goal 5.
Instead, he congratulated Minister for Foreign Affairs and International
Cooperation Pholile Shakantu on her role as President of the Organisation of
African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). It is worth noting that both
ministers were mentioned in the same sentence during the PM’s speech.
MP Nkosungumenzi Dlamini added that personal issues should not hinder the
operations of government, stating that if the country’s progress is stifled
due to such matters, it is unacceptable.
Denied
In response, the PM denied any existence of a rift within Cabinet. He
acknowledged that disagreements can arise during work, but insisted that this is
common and does not equate to a rift.  “I do not know anyone who does not get
along with the PM, and there is no one that the PM dislikes or has conflicts
with,” he stated.
The PM also refuted claims that any minister had been banned from external
travel. He cited a recent trip to Dubai, where at least 10 ministers expressed
their desire to join the King. He clarified that not all of them could attend,
as some were represented by other officials and informing the minister of travel
arrangements does not imply a ban or exclusion.
Furthermore, he shared insights on team dynamics, explaining that there are four
stages involved in building a cohesive team: storming, forming, norming and
performing. He elaborated that each stage reveals different characteristics of
team members, allowing for a deeper understanding of what each individual
contributes to the team.
The discussion in Parliament underscores significant concerns regarding the
internal dynamics of the Cabinet and their implications for governance and
ministerial effectiveness. The PM’s reassurances aim to alleviate these
concerns, emphasising that disagreements are a normal aspect of collaborative
work.
Meanwhile, MPs also expressed concern that Cabinet was seemingly interfering
with the judiciary. Mayiwane MP Sicelo Dlamini said government should not be
seen interfering with the rulings of courts because that would amount to
meddling.
Overruled
This is in relation to the issue of the matter between the Civil Service
Commission and the Ministry of Public Service Principal Secretary Sipho
Tsabedze. The CSC Chairman, Simanga Mamba, has overruled a directive from
Cabinet, which ordered the reinstatement of Principal Secretary Tsabedze’s
salary and all his benefits.
The Times SUNDAY saw a letter written by Mamba to the Ministry of Public
Service, which was a response to a recommendation the ministry had made
following the directive from Cabinet.  In the letter, Mamba said the CSC wants
to state clearly that a decision for the compulsory retirement of Tsabedze was
issued. Mamba said the commission’s decision was affirmed by the Industrial
Court.