Politics

MBABANE - Outspoken businessman, Walter Bennett, has praised Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Corporation, Pholile Shakantu for having raised what he has termed a mature submission in Parliament last week.

The businessman said the minister was correct to advise that the motion moved against the Prime Minister (PM), Russell Mmiso Dlamini, should be rephrased. The former senator said while he does not object to Members of Parliament (MPs) demanding answers from the chairman of the Executive (PM), he is of the view that all should be done with respect.

The businessman said having listened to the submission by the minister, he wishes there could be more politicians like her.

“We have seen the DPM about twice trying to calm down the situation and encouraging that the division must come to a stop. We do not want this kind of behaviour. I am happy that the minister is seemingly doing her best to encourage good behaviour even in Parliament. As emaSwati, we are known to be people of respect,” he said.

He said every liSwati has a duty to respect public and private office and criticise objectively. “The moment you start questioning the leadership style, one wonders what exactly you have seen. What conclusion have you made? Nothing wrong with questioning it, but do not do it in such a way that you stifle the relationships even more,” he said.

The businessman spoke in vernacular and said: “Ngiyambonga lo-make lona ngekuba mdzala ente intfo lengiyo,” which means: “I thank this woman for having shown maturity and doing the right thing”. He said what the minister did is not fashionable at all.

“What is fashionable is to be cabal-based. This is not the first time she has shown maturity in Parliament. That is why I thank her. I am asking myself how many Pholiles we have in our Parliament,” he said.

In jest, the businessman said he cannot take his hat off for the minister as he only wears a cap, but that he wishes that she continues being a voice of reason even during tough times in Parliament.

“She must continue with her role of being indifferent to populism. Personally, I feel like the motion has already convicted the PM and I am wondering what else will be debated. You cannot put the cart before the horse,” he said.

As reported by this publication, Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini, seconded by Ngudzeni MP Charles Ndlovu, moved a motion calling for the PM to outline in detail a variety of issues, including his ‘disruptive’ style of leadership, and how it is consistent with, and fits into, the Tinkhundla System of Government as established under the Constitution of the Kingdom of Eswatini.

The Tinkhundla framework emphasises consensus-building, traditional authority, and collective decision-making at both national and local levels. The PM, according to the motion, has also been asked to outline the manner in which his leadership style affects the doctrine of collective responsibility within Cabinet, particularly whether it upholds or undermines the principle that all ministers are jointly accountable to His Majesty the King-in-Parliament for the policies and actions of government.

The Mbabane East MP has also called for the PM to detail the impact of this leadership style on service delivery across all sectors of the kingdom, including its effects on the efficiency, coordination and effectiveness of public service programmes, development projects and the overall welfare of emaSwati.

Furthermore, the Mbabane East MP moved that the PM’s response be accompanied by specific examples, timelines and measurable indicators to enable members to fully assess the compatibility of the said leadership approach with the foundational principles of the Tinkhundla System and its implications for good governance.

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Businessman Walter Bennett. (R) Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Corporation, Minister Pholile Shakantu. (File pics)