Times Of Swaziland: PASTOR LINDIWE: TEACH NATION ABOUT ’73 DECREE PASTOR LINDIWE: TEACH NATION ABOUT ’73 DECREE ================================================================================ Sabelo Gwebu on 15/03/2025 08:46:00 LOBAMBA – Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini has stated that the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs should take responsibility to educate the nation about the 1973 Decree. The Senate president believes that many emaSwati are misinformed, assuming that in 1973, only political parties were abolished. She suggested that a continuous radio programme would help the younger generation better understand the decree, which was primarily intended to ensure the smooth running of the country. Banning On April 12, 1973, King Sobhuza II issued a decree banning political parties, paving the way for a new political system known as Tinkhundla System of Government. The King acted on the resolution of the Imbokodvo-dominated Parliament to ban the operation of political parties. It must be said that the Tinkhundla System of Government emphasises the devolution of State power from central government to tinkhundla centres, with individual merit as the basis for election or appointment to public office. Dlamini made these remarks during the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs portfolio committee debate on the annual performance reports and Appropriation Bill in Senate yesterday. The session was chaired by Senator Isaac Magagula, with other senators in attendance, including Chief Mvimbi Matse, Princess Ntfombiyenkhosi and Sicelo Dlamini. Senator Chief Mvimbi Matse cited cases where individuals accused of serious crimes, such as arson, were granted bail fixed at E10 000. He did not understand why they were released on bail when they had committed such serious crimes. Questioned He questioned the justice for such decisions. “This situation leads people to take the law into their own hands, resulting in more crimes,” he said. He also urged His Majesty’s Correctional Services to ensure the newly-approved law permitting spousal visits to incarcerated husbands is implemented. Responding, Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Prince Simelane acknowledged the constraints posed by human rights laws and stated that courts could not be blamed for their rulings. Chief Mvimbi also expressed concerns over the electoral process at tinkhundla centres, stating that some elected representatives are barely known in their respective areas. He called for closer scrutiny of votes cast in Correctional facilities and urged the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) to establish fairer election mechanisms, as financial resources often give certain candidates an advantage. The Senate president commended the EBC for taking voter education to the Reed Dance, where young girls were educated on electoral operations and the significance of voting. Minister Simelane reflected on his experience in government, stating that he initially believed peace, order and economic growth depended on security forces. “However, after joining the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, I realised that the most important factor in maintaining peace, order and economic stability is the law. Without law, the country would be ungovernable,” he said. Concerns On another note, the Senate president also raised concerns about the ministry’s plans to construct its own courts, pointing out that substantial funds are spent on renting buildings for judicial purposes. She emphasised the need for a detailed plan, even suggesting an initial regional investment of E10 million, with the project being completed in phases. Regarding international travel, Senate president Lindiwe expressed hope that judges at various levels — High Court, Industrial Court, Supreme Court, and magistrates courts — were receiving adequate exposure. “When people travel to other countries, they observe best practices that can help improve the justice system,” she said, citing electronic case management as an example of innovations that could be adopted. She further noted the shortage of human resources within the ministry, a challenge prevalent across all government departments. “We have heard reports of emaSwati acting or volunteering in various positions for up to five years without being officially hired. We would like to verify if this is true,” she said.