MIXED REACTIONS ON SIBAYA CALL

MBABANE – The King’s call to Sibaya has been met with mixed reactions from members of the public.

While others said they were happy that the King may finally address the nation following the pro-democracy protests which culminated in violence, looting and destruction of property, others said they believed that it was too soon to call the nation, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic third wave. The King made the call for Sibaya through Indvuna Themba Ginindza in a press conference held at Ludzidzini Royal Residence yesterday. The King said all emaSwati should be seated inside the cattle byre by 10am. The King said the Sibaya proceedings would be broadcast live so that those who could not make it to the venue could follow from the comfort of their homesteads through all media channels. The Monarch emphasised that those who would be following the proceedings through the media channels should listen attentively to what would be said.

Assured

The King assured the nation that all those who would participate would be tested for COVID-19 before entering the cattle byre. He said health practitioners would start work at 7am to ensure that all people were tested for the virus. He mentioned that tags would be provided to make sure that only those who tested entered the cattle byre. He encouraged the nation to take the necessary precautions should they test positive for the virus. However, the call evoked various reactions from different quarters.
The agenda was not readily available, which left people wondering whether the King would address the nation or if the floor would be open for emaSwati to express their views as it happened during the last Sibaya in 2018, before the announcement of the late Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini as Prime Minister.

Speculated

Others speculated that perhaps a new PM would be unveiled as the position was currently occupied by Themba Masuku, albeit on an acting basis. According to Section 232 of the Constitution, Sibaya is the Swazi National Council, which states that the people, through Sibaya, constitute the highest policy and advisory council (libandla) of the nation. Section 232 (2) states that the Sibaya is the Swazi National Council constituted by bantfwabenkhosi, tikhulu of the real and all adult citizens gathered at the official residence of the Queen Mother under the chairmanship of iNgwenyama who may delegate the function to any official. “Sibaya functions as the annual general meeting of the nation, but maybe convened at any time to present the views of the nation on pressing and controversial national issues,” reads Subsection (3).

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