PRINCE MAHLABA PASSES ON

MBABANE – Hilarious, vocal, free-spirited, daring are the best adjectives to describe Prince Mahlaba who is no more.

The prince, a soldier by profession and notable King’s praise singer is reported to have died yesterday, while undergoing treatment at a hospital in the Republic of South Africa.
He was known for his bountiful sense of humour. He also served as a member of Liqoqo, an advisory council to His Majesty the King.

Soldier

Arguably, he is the only one who served as an MP and soldier simultaneously in contravention of the law governing Parliament.
During his time as part of the King’s advisory committee (Liqoqo), the prince reportedly stormed out of a meeting, describing the country’s Constitution as ‘not being in good form’ because it took powers away from the authorities.

The demise of the staunch traditionalist and former senator was confirmed by Acting Ludzidzini Governor Indvuna Lusendvo Fakudze.

He only disclosed that before the prince was transferred to the Republic of South Africa, he was first admitted to the Mbabane Government Hospital. The acting governor was, however, not in a position to disclose the nature of  sickness which resulted in the death of the prince.
When questioned about funeral arrangements, Fakudze mentioned that they were still to be discussed by royalty.

Meanwhile, one of his close relatives preferred not to comment on the matter; “Ngeke sisakhuluma Nkhosi ngoba labadzala sebakhulumile” meaning; “We will not be in a position to comment further following the statement by the authorities.”

The former senator will be remembered for speaking his mind every time he was called to make a comment on certain issues. Prince Mahlaba also believed the Constitution ‘grants people absolute rights to misbehave in the name of freedom of expression and get away with it’.
When he was called for comment on his allegations at the time, he said the Constitution was crafted for the educated elite, saying he was uneducated, hence the Constitution was not meant for him.

The Times Sunday reported that Prince Mahlaba once said he did not care much about the Constitution, especially because things were beginning to change rapidly in the country. He then talked about the cities of Mbabane and Manzini, which had begun to confuse him when he drives around.

Headlines

In 2012, he hogged headlines after threatening journalists with death. He was a member of the National Development Strategy (NDS), chaired by the late Meshack Shongwe and later Reverend Johannes Mazibuko.
He was also one of the senators who actively participated during the debate of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) Bill which is now an Act. 
He had reservations about the clause which deals with stalking.

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