Times Of Swaziland: PM DECLARES WAR  ON CORRUPTION

PM DECLARES WAR  ON CORRUPTION
================================================================================
 BY SENZO DLAMINI on 05/11/2013 03:43:00


MBABANE – Prime Minister Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini has declared zero tolerance
on corruption.
Dlamini, who was in his element, branded the corrupt folk as ‘emazambane
labolile’ (rotten potatoes). “There will be no refuge for the corrupt (kute
sigangi lasitawubhaca khona),” boldly stated the PM during the swearing-in
ceremony of the newly-appointed Cabinet ministers.
The function attended by slightly over 200 people was at the Cabinet offices
premises where a giant tent was pitched.
The 71-year-old premier, pulling no punches, pledged that his government would
deal with all corrupt activities and criminal elements.
He said, as custodians of the public purse, they shall plan constructively to
match their stated priorities while spending honestly, effectively and
transparently. “Those found to have diverted from the established standards of
procedure and integrity will be brought to book,” the PM, who hails from
Kukhanyeni Constituency in the Manzini region, told the gathering.
In an effort to support such commitment, Dlamini said they would ensure adequate
resources were provided to the Auditor General, Anti Corruption Commission,
Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Judiciary.
He emphasised that corruption would not be rife during the tenure of the new
administration.
The PM’s speech on tackling corruption head-on was received with a round of
applause by those in attendance.
Dlamini reiterated that the kingdom would not suffer the public ignominy of
being the refuge of the corrupt. He said the rule of law would remain
sacrosanct.
“Government will ensure that the justice system is administered swiftly and
efficiently and maintenance of law and order will be secured in accordance with
the highest human rights standards,” said the PM. “The administration arm of
government will collaborate fully with the legislative and judicial arms.”
PM grateful for reappointment
MBABANE – Prime Minister Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini has lauded His Majesty King
Mswati III for the historic reappointment.
The head of government, in his address during the swearing-in ceremony of the
new Cabinet ministers, said he felt humbled and honoured by the re-engagement.
He said: “Having received the great honour of being appointed as Prime
Minister by His Majesty King Mswati III, I now look forward enormously to
discharging my duties with the utmost dedication and efficiency.”
Dlamini said he was deeply grateful to Their Majesties for their expression of
confidence in him.
“Their support and guidance in the coming years will, as in the past, be of
immense value to me and my colleagues,” he said.
First Cabinet meeting today
MBABANE – The first meeting of the newly-appointed Cabinet will be today.
This was said by re-engaged Prime Minister Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini yesterday.
This was during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Cabinet ministers at
Hospital Hill.
The PM told the gathering that the new mantra – ‘development unusual’
would be kick-started this morning.
“As Cabinet, we’ll have our first meeting tomorrow (today) at 9am,” he
said much to the delight of the slightly over 200 people who attended the
swearing-in ceremony.
He said he expected all the ministers to attend without fail the first day of
official business.
2022 First World Status now a national vision
MBABANE – His Majesty’s vision of leading the kingdom to First World status
by 2022 has now become a national vision.
This was said by Prime Minister Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini yesterday. Dlamini, in
his maiden speech since his reappointment last Monday, said the dream of
attining First World status no longer belonged to the King and Indlovukazi, but
the entire nation.
He said, as Cabinet, they would take the lead in everything they do to ensure
that the national vision was achieved.
“Now that the election process and appointments in the administration are
complete, we have the responsibility to implement all the measures necessary to
achieve His Majesty’s vision – now the national vision – of Swaziland
being a First World country within the next eight years.”