KING ORDERS NEW MPS TO LOOK INTO CANNABIS LAW

KWALUSENI – His Majesty King Mswati III, in his capacity as the Chancellor of the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), has thrown a challenge to the 12th Parliament.

The challenge is that they should ensure that they work on a proper legislation that will allow for more research into the growing of cannabis for medicinal purposes. The King was speaking during the graduation ceremony, which saw over 3 000 graduates being conferred with degrees while others were awarded certificates and diplomas. His Majesty said it was clear that the institution’s administration had come up with a strategic plan meant to ensure its growth and sustainability. According to The King, it was commendable to see that all the stakeholders involved in ensuring the growth and sustainability of the institution have prioritised the strategies, some of which he said were initiated years ago.

“As we toured the Eswatini International Trade Fair this year, we felt the presence of the institution. It was there showcasing how it has become not just a university, but a research centre as well. Being a research centre is crucial nowadays because there are various sicknesses and pandemics affecting the global community,” the King said. Elaborating, the King mentioned that it was a positive thing to see the university taking a lead role when it comes to issues of research, as it meant that the country will provide solutions in a variety of issues. The King made reference to an earlier speech delivered by the Vice Chancellor, Justice Thwala, who detailed some of the research projects that were being implemented by the institution. “I heard him talk about things such as cannabis,” he said and even used the vernacular term ‘insangu’ and this had the attendees screaming. “When these researches are being conducted, it would be wise to see to it that there are proper legislations in place. This will help so that no one gets confused and asks questions. I do hope that the Parliament is taking this serious because for the research to be a success, there should be laws that ensure that there are no complications,” the King said as screams of ‘Bayethe’ reverberated throughout the arena with other attendees heard saying “Abasikhulule silime”, which means. “Let us be allowed to grow cannabis”.

implementation

In jest, His Majesty said it was good that he was speaking in front of the Attorney General, Sifiso Mashampu Khumalo, who had just nodded as a sign that he heard what was said. “I do believe that he is nodding as a signal that he will ensure that proper legislation is put in place and go to Parliament for implementation.” The King said it was also commendable that a committee had been put in place to fast track the strategies that have been put in place to ensure the growth of the institution. His Majesty said the growth of a university never ends and that now and again there was a need to throw in support financially. The King said each and every year there will be a need for more resources to assist the institution. “It is, therefore, important that as emaSwati we take care and support the university because it is the one that will take the country forward. The students who graduate have to be ones who will come out equipped with the necessary skills that will in turn grow the country. So everyone should make it their assignment or duty to contribute to the university in whatever way.”

The King gave assurance that government would do all it can to support not only the university, but the country’s education as a whole. According to His Majesty, the Kingdom of Eswatini is among the few countries worldwide that still provide scholarships to young people. According to His Majesty, these scholarships involve those that are not necessarily loans, but part of government’s efforts of ensuring that education was prioritised. “We are giving assurance that government will support the university even when it faces challenging times or struggles with implementing some of its planned projects.” The King went on and said government will fully support the institution as it conducts different types of research projects and this was happening at a crucial time when the world had witnessed the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. His Majesty said it was unfortunate that the pandemic took away many lives and that it took a long time to find a vaccine for it. “It, therefore, makes sense for us to have structures that will allow for proper research to be conducted since diseases and pandemics will always be there. We applaud the work of the university.”

Praises

Meanwhile, His Majesty sang praises on the graduates and recounted how some time had passed without the institution celebrating the graduation ceremony and said it was good that the great day had finally come this time around. He recounted how there were challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, which came with restrictions on movement of people, making it hard for students to attend classes. “In all the challenges that were there, we are grateful that today we are here to celebrate with those students who had a tough time due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” The King said. He appealed to both government and the private sector to consider recruiting the hundreds who graduated yesterday, so that they could lead good lives and help develop the country. He said all graduates had been guided by lecturers, who showed them the way until they became ready to graduate. “We commend all the lecturers who worked with dedication to see to it that our children have a better future. We are here today because of the efforts put in by these lecturers. It is not just the lecturers but the whole UNESWA staff. They all deserve praise for a job well done,” said the King.

His Majesty said it was a known fact that parents also played a key role in giving support to their children even during hard times. The King informed the attendees that the world was appreciative of the country’s biggest tertiary institution, such that some countries are already seeking the services of emaSwati for different skills. “This is a sign that our education is receiving a significant recognition. It shows that our country is now among the best in as far as education is concerned. “What it means is that we have to do all in our power to maintain those standards that have made us to be listed among the best. Someone who had studied in the Kingdom of Eswatini is regarded as properly equipped and they get bigger opportunities. This is what makes us proud as emaSwati to see the global community acknowledging our quality education,” said the King.

Future

As he ended his speech, the King congratulated the graduates for their achievement and said he wished them the best future. “We are also grateful for the gifts (tetfulo) which were presented to us.” At the ceremony, His Majesty was seated next to the acting Prime Minister, Chief Mgwagwa Gamedze. The ceremony itself was attended by dignitaries, chiefs and politicians among others. New MPs and elected senators also attended in numbers. The sitting arrangement was structured in such a way that all the attendees were prioritised and the main arena had enough space to accommodate them. The entry of all the attendees was made easier as there were enough entry points where they were thoroughly searched but all this

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