‘COVID-19 HAS WEAKENED GOVT’

MANZINI – There is a vacuum in government as COVID-19 has claimed lives of many people in leadership.

This was said by Reverend Absalom Muntu Dlamini during the funeral service of deceased High Commissioner to South Africa, Dumisile Sukati. She died on February 4, 2021, shortly after the death of the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Makhosi Vilakati, who was the third member of the Executive to die due to the coronavirus related illnesses. The first to die was the Prime Minister, Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini; who was followed by Minister of Public Service Christian Ntshangase.

Condolences 

Reverend Dlamini, who is a former Minister of Economic Planning and Development, forwarded his condolences to the bereaved relatives of the deceased diplomat and noted that Sukati was a servant of the country assigned by the monarch in various portfolios.

“This is a great loss caused by the virus. The virus these days has weakened government, leaving a vacuum in the positions held by the departed,” Dlamini said. This was before he delivered a message from the King, whom he spoke on behalf of thereafter. He said the monarch had lost an asset as Sukati’s demise was immediate. He said sick people prepared those who were their next-of-kin; however, Sukati’s death shocked them as it was sudden. She was not a pensioner, Dlamini said, but was working for the country. He implored the citizenry to have faith in God and be comforted while being respectful.

“Those who are Christians know that whoever dies in Christ shall rise to be with God; so, let’s have faith,” he said.

His address was listened by those who had come to bid the departed diplomat farewell. Among them was her husband Professor Walter Sukati, her daughters, son-in-law, Manzini North Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Macford Sibandze and her acquaintances.

Meanwhile, the King’s virtual address, delivered through Dlamini, preceded that of former Secretary to Cabinet Mbuso Dlamini, who was the deceased diplomat’s principal secretary in her tenure as minister. This, he affirmed, while also acknowledging that Sukati was his aunt. He acknowledged that given the assignments that were bestowed upon Sukati in her lifetime, it was apparent that they had done exceptionally well.

Mbuso said it was saddening to bid farewell to an exceptional and outstanding woman. He said it was exciting though that she was among the women who assumed leadership positions in the country. “Government is saddened by her demise as she was part of the people making sure we achieve the women empowerment agenda,” he said.

He said they had hoped that the deceased would carry the torch and pass the baton through empowering young aspirant female leaders. He also extended condolences to the Thuli Dladla-led Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. He said they lost a mother, perfectionist and a result driven diplomat. Before leaving the podium, he shared a Bible scripture – Job 1: 21. “Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”

Questioned 

Meanwhile, when Government Spokesperson Sabelo Dlamini was questioned if the former secretary to Cabinet was back in the civil service as he represented government and whether it was a norm for former civil servants to be assigned to represent government in such events or there was a specific reason; he said: “Government can assign any liSwati as a representative in such matters, this not being the first nor last time.” He said he was not aware of any regulation that restricted such representation to only civil servants. 

“Mbuso Dlamini is a veteran of the civil service and, though retired, he possesses a well of experience and knowledge of government. He has also served as a PS under the late high commissioner when she was a minister,” he said.

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