MBABANE – The Minister for ICT has admitted to encountering difficulties in hiring the CEO for the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP), leaving the responsibility to the prime minister.
According to Minister Savannah Maziya, all her efforts had been in vain regarding the recruitment of a new chief executive officer (CEO) for the institution and she has now left the matter in the hands of Prime Minister Russell Dlamini.
“I have tried everything. I will now await the advice of the prime minister as to who to hire as RSTP CEO. I have failed,” she remarked.
The minister made these remarks during a House of Assembly sitting yesterday.
Maziya said her understanding of her role was that she had to modernise and demonstrate that the country was a cornerstone in technology.
“We have tried to see how we can use RSTP as an engine for growth. We brought people from all over the world to ensure this dream is realised,” stated Maziya.
She said they had launched ‘Government in Your Hand’ so emaSwati could be advanced in their functionality and be equal in technological progress.
“It was very wise for His Majesty to create the RSTP vision.”
“However, we must decide what we want,” she added, noting that reports she had compiled previously on RSTP had failed to see the light of day.
This follows a motion moved by Lobamba Lomdzala Member of Parliament (MP) Marwick Khumalo and seconded by Lubombo Region MP Futhi Ngcamphalala, which stated that, having due regard to the legislative instruments establishing the RSTP and noting the seemingly stagnant and paralysed status of the State-owned enterprise (SOE); further noting the positive strides taken by the minister, such as the ‘Government in Your Hand’ innovation even under strenuous conditions; aware that the absence of a substantive CEO at RSTP is a great setback to the development agenda of the parastatal and realising that in the world of the digital economy and Artificial Intelligence (AI), the suffocation of the ICT sector by government is militating against the nation’s interests.
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Minister Owen wants to debate Baha’i issue at length
MBABANE – Following a question for oral answer urging Minister for Education Owen Nxumalo to explain the Baha’i Schools issue, the minister said he wanted to debate it at length, but could not because it was sub judice.
The question, posed by Mhlambanyatsi MP Bonginkhosi Dlamini, asked the minister to clarify the reversal of his decision to grant privatisation to Baha’i Schools — a decision later declared null and void by his subordinate.
“Subsequently, the minister is requested to clarify the statutory basis upon which he approved the privatisation application,” stated the MP.
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Marwick mulls vote of no confidence
MBABANE – Lobamba Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo said the RSTP issue was a matter of egos destroying the country and its economy.
“Egos are destroying this country and destroying the economy,” he said, adding that similar situations in the past had led to votes of no confidence.
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‘Minister should reveal frustrations before she falls sick’
MBABANE – Minister for Education and Training Owen Nxumalo has urged the ICT minister to be open about her challenges, warning that bottling them up could affect her health.
“Minister kumele aphumele eshashalazini,” he said, meaning the minister should lay bare the issues plaguing RSTP. “Straight talk will help the country. ICT minister should engage her portfolio committee on the matter. This matter should be addressed straightforwardly,” Nxumalo advised.
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PM withholding external trips as a form of punishment – MP
MBABANE – Ngudzeni MP Charles Ndlovu has alleged that the Prime Minister, Russell Dlamini, is withholding external trips as a form of punishment for certain ministers and officials.
“There is one person signing off external trips and they have to beg him,” said Ndlovu. “We know what the issue at ICT is and it’s the premier. The real problem here is the prime minister,” he said, expressing hope that the report on RSTP would be presented within 14 days.
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