PM VISITS SIPHOFANENI, MEETS LAZWIDE

SIPHOFANENI – Siphofaneni Member of Parliament (MP) Nomalungelo LaZwide Simelane, says suspected poachers are killed willy-nilly by rangers, because they are not protected by law.

She urged government to review the laws governing the operations of game reserves. In her remarks, during the official opening of the Siphofaneni Service Centre that houses four ministries, namely the Ministries of Public Works and Transport, Home Affairs, Finance and Tinkhundla Administration and Development, Simelane alleged that two suspected poachers were shot dead recently at the KaMsholo Game Reserve, by rangers. Prime Minister (PM) Russell Dlamini officiated in the opening of the centre.

The legislator said in Eswatini, wildlife preservation is more important than the lives of the people. She mentioned that some of the people shot dead by rangers were from communities like Siphofaneni and Gilgal. “I wonder if government is noticing that more lives are lost through being shot by rangers,” she said. In his address, the PM said he was aware of the incidents of shot suspected poachers, but requested traditional leaders and community members to play a vital role in educating their children about the rule of law.

Painful

He mentioned that it was painful that lives were lost through the incidents of shooting suspected poachers, but people should stay away from the game reserves. “It is important that people stay away from the game reserves, so that the incidents could be avoided,” he said. Furthermore, the PM thanked His Majesty’s government for bringing services closer to the people. He also shared that five constituencies would benefit from the service centre, namely Sithobela, Siphofaneni, Gilgal, Nkilongo and Lubulini. “We appreciate the development taking place in Siphofaneni and also thank the owner of the structure for investing in infrastructural development in the country,” he said.

Present were Deputy Prime Minister Senator Thuli Dladla, Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, Lubombo Regional Administrator (RA) Themba Msibi, Lubombo Region MP Futhie Ngcamphalala, Mtfongwaneni MP Nathi Hlophe, Mayiwane MP Sicelo Dlamini and Prince Gcokoma. Also attending the event were King’s Office Chief Executive (CE) and Madlenya Umphakatsi Chief, Mgwagwa Gamedze, Cabinet Principal Secretary (PS) Bertram Stewart, Microprojects Director Sibusiso Mbingo, Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development PS Nonhlanhla Dlamini and Siphofaneni Indvuna Yenkhundla Phiwokwakhe Ngcamphalala to mention a few.

Prime Minister (PM) Russell Dlamini handed over two Toyota Quantum vehicles worth E1.7m to members of Lunyawo Lwebantfwana Association yesterday. The PM handed over the public transport vehicles funded by the Regional Development Fund (RDF). The head of government thanked His Majesty King Mswati III, for his vision of empowering emaSwati in developing and improving their livelihoods. Dlamini further implored the youth to unite and establish schemes to ensure that they access the RDF to kick-start income-generating projects. The association’s Chairman, Vusi Mamba, thanked government and assured the PM that they will keep the vehicles in good condition.

Prime Minister (MP) Russell Dlamini has been asked to intervene in the incidents of suicide committed by pupils expelled by their respective schools, for owing school fees. Siphofaneni Member of Parliament (MP) Nomalungelo LaZwide Simelane, made the passionate plea to the PM yesterday. Simelane said she had facilitated the burial of two pupils that recently took their lives by commiting suicide, due to the fact that they were so distraught that some of their peers attended lessons while they remained at home. The PM said it was unfortunate that lives had been lost, yet government’s position in this matter, together with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM), was to see all children in school. “We urge community leaders to report such, as pupils are not supposed to be turned back by schools, but those schools, should engage the Office of the DPM,” he said.

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