LOBAMBA- Senator Chief Kekela has urged government to devise measures to ensure that citizens who insulted the nation before fleeing into self-imposed exile are arrested and returned home to face justice.
He made the call yesterday during the Senate portfolio committee debate on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s first-quarter performance report.
Without naming individuals, the senator expressed concern that some people who disparage the Kingdom of Eswatini later escape into exile, where they continue to live comfortably.
“I have long wondered why it is not possible to bring such people back home to answer for their crimes,” he said.
“What is stopping us from getting them arrested and returned? We meet them in foreign countries where they now claim to be in exile, enjoying life, yet they insulted our country or committed crimes,” the senator complained.
Chief Kekela added that several countries where such individuals seek refuge have bilateral agreements with Eswatini, and questioned why these agreements could not be used to facilitate their return.
He further pressed for the establishment of a legal framework to govern the arrest and repatriation of self-exiled offenders.
Meanwhile, Senator Princess Ncengencenge raised concerns that the ministry’s report failed to detail progress on issues flagged in earlier sittings.
In particular, she highlighted previous concerns about the state of Eswatini’s foreign missions, citing Pretoria as a case in point.
The princess revealed that she had recently visited the Pretoria mission, where she held discussions with the ambassador.
“I was informed that a lot has been done, including the appointment of a highly qualified counsellor. This individual is a veteran diplomat with experience gained at the New York mission. I commend the ministry for engaging skilled professionals,” she said.
She added that challenges such as staff shortages were being addressed, with plans to hire additional personnel.
“When the ministry does something right, we must commend it. I was pleased to see the Pretoria offices looking presentable, with proper furniture and even an electric gate to enhance security,” she noted.
Princess Ncengencenge also stressed that individuals deployed to foreign missions should be people of integrity.
Committee Chairperson Senator Lizzie Nkosi echoed these sentiments, urging the ministry to resolve challenges affecting staff at foreign missions.
She recommended that the ministry convene a workshop with the committee to provide a comprehensive update on progress across all missions.
In his preamble, Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prince Simelane thanked senators for their consistent guidance, which he said enables the ministry to perform effectively.
He apologised for the postponement of the session, explaining that the principal secretary had been unavailable on the original date.
The minister, who delivered much of his address in vernacular, was in high spirits, drawing laughter from senators with his humour.
Princess Ncengencenge jokingly remarked that his talent for comedy could earn him a lucrative side career.
Responding to the submissions, Prince Simelane underscored the importance of appointing people of integrity to foreign missions.
Light-heartedly, he remarked that it was individuals of his calibre – those who respect culture, uphold tradition and prioritise the nation’s interests – who truly deserve such positions.
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