50% MPS NOT FLUENT IN ENGLISH - HANS

LOBAMBA – He is one of the country’s top businessman, but he may just get an extra job of being an English teacher.

This is non other than outspoken Nkilongo Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Hans Steffen, as several of his colleagues admitted that they could learn a thing or two from his command of the English Language. 

This came after the MP, who was speaking on Standing Order No.58, said he did not appreciate the fact that he was portrayed as the only MP who needed an interpreter, as some of his colleagues and visitors in the House also needed translation.

“I do not have the exact figures, but I am sure that 50 or 30 per cent of you in this House are not that fluent in English,” said Steffen.
He said for two and a half years, he had been begging for a proper interpreter, who would be used by all the legislators and this left him frustrated as there was no progress being made.

MP Steffen said he did not mean to offend the committee clerk who was interpreting yesterday, but suggested that a professional interpreter be employed.
He said all the MPs needed to have headsets, which should also be distributed in the public gallery.

“Page three in the Swazi Constitution reads that the two official languages are English and siSwati, so why don’t we get rid of this clause if some people are only of the view that we must use siSwati,” he said.
Steffen said the MPs would benefit, as they could also get free English lessons, adding that his siSwati had also greatly improved.
Steffen said he knew of many potential investors whom he wanted to invite to the House, but it would be a futile exercise because they could not follow the proceedings as most of them were in siSwati.

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