Times Of Swaziland: MP labels CJ liqudze

MP labels CJ liqudze
================================================================================
SIBONGILE SUKATI on 03/11/2011 00:00:00


MBABANE — The Chief Justice was yesterday called all sorts of names including
a cock as MPs wondered why government was finding it so difficult to deal with
him in order to address the judicial crisis.
Hlane MP Mduduzi Magagula said there was a cock (liqudze) who continued to be
housed at the expensive Royal Villas when the country had no money.
"I remember a time when government did not have houses for teachers and they
bought mobile homes which have all the necessary gadgets, why not get one for
this CJ and maybe he could take it home with him once he leaves?" suggested
Magagula.
He said teachers who were given mobile houses were professional too and the same
could apply to CJ Michael Ramodibedi.
Nkaba MP Enock Dlamini said the Deputy Prime Minister Themba Masuku was removed
from the Villas yet the CJ was allowed to stay on. "Clearly the CJ has friends
somewhere and that is why he is allowed to stay on at that hotel," said Dlamini.
Nhlambeni MP Frans Dlamini asked why the CJ, a foreigner, was being allowed to
come into the country and interpret a home grown Constitution into something
else.
"As Swazis we crafted our own Constitution into the manner which was suitable
for us and now you allow a foreigner to come and interpret it for us in any
manner he pleases," said Dlamini. Lobamba MP Majahodvwa Khumalo also wanted to
know what government was doing to end the judicial crisis.
He asked why it was difficult to suspend the CJ while the problems were
addressed.
His brother Lobamba Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo wondered why the Supreme Court
judges were even in the country because they knew that there was no money and
that lawyers were not working.
Lubulini MP Timothy Myeni also blasted government for allowing lawyers to be on
the street instead of addressing their issues.
He said many people would find themselves in jail and not allowed bail if the
lawyers’ concerns were not addressed.
"They say if you want a petrol bomb to cause extensive damage you need to shake
it and I believe government is fuelling this situation," said Myeni. Mbabane
West MP Johannes Shongwe said he felt sorry for the new Minister of Justice and
Constitutional Affairs Mgwagwa Gamedze because he would have a tough time
solving the crisis. "Only one person can solve this matter as his word is
final," said Shongwe.
He said he was even shocked to hear that the CJ had said the Supreme Court
should continue even though some people did not have legal presentation.
The MPs said all the three arms of government had to meet informally to try and
map a way forward because nothing was working in the country.
‘PM’s E1.5 million stalling removal of Circular No.1’
LOBAMBA — Hosea MP Mduduzi Mabuza says government did not want Circular No.1
reviewed because some people, specifically the PM would walk away with about
E1.5 million.
He was supporting Timpisini MP Jennifer du Pont who described Circular No.1 of
2010 as a dirty piece of legislation.
She said she was very embarrassed that she had given a thumbs up to the circular
because it did nothing for the rest of the citizens except benefit legislators.
"Why do we want to eat something that is dirty?" asked du Pont who added that
there was nothing good about the circular.
The debate came about after Lobamba Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo had asked why
the Minister of Economic Planning and Development Prince Hlangusemphi had still
not tabled the final report on the Economic Recovery Strategy.
Manzini South MP Thandi Nxumalo said the good thing about speaking in Parliament
was that everyone in the country heard you.
"So those who do not want this circular to be reviewed will have a lot of
explain to their constituents who have complained about this," said Nxumalo.
She said Cabinet really excelled at giving themselves high benefits through the
circular.
Matsanjeni South MP Qedusizi Ndlovu however informed the MPs not to panic as the
circular was being discussed.
"Just yesterday (Tuesday) the joint House committee met with some of the
ministers and there is some review of the legislation which is coming," he said.
‘why Give One Company Salgaocar Deal?’
LOBAMBA — Members of Parliament yesterday alleged that one Swazi company has
won the tender to supply 203 trucks which will transport the mineral that will
be mined at the Old Ngwenya Mine by Salgaocar.
The MPs said they had been assured that when the company came there would be
many spin offs for other Swazis in general, but this had not happened and blamed
government for allowing such to happen.
The DPM Themba Masuku tried to defend government and said it was the company
which had made its own deal, but the MPs would hear none of it as they said it
was the same government who issued the licence.
"There is a company in Matsapha which will be the only beneficiary and this is
wrong," said Motshane MP Robert Magongo.
Magongo was supported by a majority of MPs who asked how the economy would be
revived if only one person was given the whole tender instead of other citizens
benefitting.
Meanwhile Hlane MP Mduduzi Magagula said there was one problem and it is written
"Cabinet Bus Service" which had caused all the crises’ in the country.
All govts since 1968 have failed the country — Wilson
LOBAMBA — Minister of Education and Training Wilson Ntshangase said all the
governments since independence in 1968 had failed the country.
He said before he was an MP he also used to blame other governments, but now he
realised that perhaps it was the system of governance that was not working.
"Do not get me wrong I am not saying Tinkhundla is bad, but maybe the manner in
which we are implementing it is wrong," said Ntshangase.
"All the government’s since independence have failed the country and maybe we
rushed into gaining independence," said Ntshangase.
He said it was clear that there was no proper manifesto and said both MPs and
Cabinet were beggars. He said there was no development in the Shiselweni region
since independence.
"Perhaps the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary should meet where we can
clearly map a way forward," he said.
Petros wants entire Cabinet kicked out of Parly until...
LOBAMBA — Mhlambanyatsi MP Petros Mavimbela yesterday suggested that all the
present Cabinet ministers should be kicked out of Parliament until they returned
with the Economic Recovery Strategy.
This was after Minister of Economic Planning and Development Prince Hlangusemphi
said he was still awaiting contributions from the Smart Partnership Dialogue
before he could table the report. The minister said it was tough being a
minister in these times and said he would table the report on Monday. The MPs
further expressed concern to the Finance minister of whatever he would be able
to pay civil servants’ November and December salaries.