Politics

MBABANE - Government has come out to clarify that the Grand Plan is not a one-man show.

In fact, government has said that the Grand Plan is a very clear vision for the country, as pronounced and championed by His Majesty King Mswati III; that Eswatini must be a developed country.

Through a press statement issued by Acting Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli, government says it has noted the growing public interest in the Grand Plan for National Transformation; a long-term strategy that seeks to ignite wealth and well-being for the nation.

Mdluli explained that this vision was solidified during the 2023 Sibaya People’s Parliament, where the people, the citizens of this great kingdom, spoke extensively about issues affecting their well-being.

Such issues included poor service delivery, a high level corruption, particularly in government, a sluggish economic growth, high poverty and unemployment and a failing health sector, among others.

“In pursuing that vision, the current administration had to first unpack the characteristics of a developed country. Developed countries have big economies that are able to sustain their national budgets and are able to fund and meet the needs of their societies. A high-performing economy is paramount in becoming a developed country and that means growing the economy is a priority,” reads part of the statement.

Secondly, Mdluli said, developed economies look after their own citizens’ overall well-being, health, food and education needs and ensure that these are symbiotic.

She said good governance is, therefore, a requisite.

“As such, the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini must work hard to reach a developed country status and the Grand Plan details how this can be achieved. As rightly pointed out by the nation at Sibaya, these issues must be addressed by government and the people must unite in fighting corruption, which has become endemic in all arms of government. It is clear that to achieve this, Eswatini needs a change of mindset – a mindset of patriotism and selflessness and a mindset that says let me give to my country rather than take from my country,” said Mdluli.

She said it is equally important to note that the Grand Plan is currently in its draft form, hence stakeholder engagements are still ongoing.

Mdluli said once all stakeholders have made their submissions, it will go back to Cabinet and then to the highest office in the land.

Full article available in our paper.

Prime Minister Russell Dlamini. (Pic: Sourced)