MP BUTHELEZI: I DON’T FEAR PM

MBABANE – The stage is set. The venue is parliament’s House of Assembly.

In the ring is Prime Minister (PM) Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini versus Matsanjeni North Member of Parliament Phila Buthelezi.
Known for his shrewdness, the PM holds the record of never losing a fight against those who challenge him publicly.

Some of those considered his victims are former Chief Justice Michael Ramodibedi, former Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Senator Sibusiso Shongwe, former Speaker Prince Guduza, former Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Macford Sibandze, the late former Liqoqo Chairman Prince Logcogco Mangaliso, the late Clerk to Parliament Ben Zwane and Lobamba Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo, to mention just a few.

On Monday, presumably at 2:30pm (the usual time that the House sits) the head of government is expected to take on MP Buthelezi when he responds to the latter’s statement that Swazis should have a say in the appointment of the country’s prime minister.

Currently, the Constitution dictates, in Section 67(1) that “The King shall appoint the Prime Minister from among members of the House acting on recommendation of the King’s Advisory Council.”
MP Buthelezi, who was making submissions in the House on Wednesday, also accused the PM of stifling progress, especially in the construction and maintenance of the country’s roads, by muzzling ministers so that they did not realise their full potential.

Buthelezi said government’s lack of service delivery created a bad image for Their Majesties.
The PM, who was not in the House on Wednesday, did not take MP Buthelezi’s submissions lightly and issued a statement the following day in which he blasted the legislator for what he said were attempts to shake the pillars that established and kept the nation unified and peaceful.

He also accused the MP of attacking the country’s constitution and, in particular, the operations of Sibaya (People’s Parliament).
Due to being bound by, parliament protocol of not commenting outside parliament on matters raised within the House, the PM said he would make an official statement in the august House on Monday as agreed by the Speaker, Themba Msibi.

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