OUR COUNTRY FACES NATIONAL POLITICAL CHALLENGE – LAZWIDE

MBABANE – “Our country is not only facing a constituency challenge but rather a national political challenge, however, some people are still in denial but with time all shall agree.”

These were the words of newly-elected Siphofaneni Member of Parliament (MP) Nomalungelo Simelane, popularly known as LaZwide. The new MP was responding to questions posed to her by this reporter on her ability to remain neutral and assist all constituents alike as she navigates her term as MP of Siphofaneni.

represented

The MP was recently sworn into office and received plenty of advice from other MPs, including Ndzingeni MP Lutfo Dlamini, who warned her to be wise in choosing what she represented as she assumed her term of office in Parliament. During the interview, the new MP was asked if she would assure the more conservative constituents who advocated for the Tinkhundla System of Government that she would stand for them as well, to which she said those were the people who voted for her. “I can confirm to you that the people you are asking about are the people who voted me in. They didn’t vote for my face or my complexion, but they voted for the ideology and conviction we believe in for the future of our country.

“During the campaigns on the ground, the clarion call was emphasised by our people, both young and old, as you can see the 60 per cent endorsement as shown by polls. Our people are united, both young and old need proper service delivery and a government that is practically people-driven and responsive. I can say that both the conservatives and liberals agree on the need for what I just said,” said the Siphofaneni MP.

She was further questioned on whether she would be willing to consult with the candidates who lost against her in order to address the issues which plagued Siphofaneni. In response to that, the new MP said she would follow in her husband’s footstep, who is the former Siphofaneni MP, Mduduzi ‘Gawuzela’ Simelane. “Briefly, like the previous MP of Siphofaneni ‘Gawuzela’, I am not imposing myself or my will on the people, but the people reaffirmed to me what they said to the former MP, hence I do not represent a faction but all the people of Siphofaneni. My hands and the hands of the entire inkhundla council will be open to all people of Siphofaneni for advice and guidance. None of our people will be more special than the other,” she said.

The Siphofaneni MP further highlighted that the country was facing mostly not a constituency challenge, but rather a national political challenge, just that some emaSwati were still in denial but with time all would agree.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: