Times Of Swaziland: FOR NEXT 5 YEARS, AKUNA–LUTFO

FOR NEXT 5 YEARS, AKUNA–LUTFO
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BY CLAUDE MAGONGO AND TIMOTHY SIMELANE on 22/09/2013 01:21:00


NDZINGENI – Wild celebrations engulfed Ndzingeni as former Minister Lutfo
Dlamini crashed out of the elections.
He was resoundingly trounced by Jeremiah Ebenezer Ndwandwe from the Ebulandzeni
chiefdom who recorded 1 663 votes against Lutfo’s 1 537 votes.
Immediately after the announcement an ecstatic crowd broke out into chorus hymns
and spontaneous ululations. Former Minister Dlamini seemed to sense defeat as he
left the voting station even before the counting began.
Ndwandwe, a retired electrician, acknowledges that it was a hard fought election
but says he is happy though apprehensive about the challenges he will face as he
prepares to embark on a new career as a parliamentarian.
“I want to work closely and diligently with the people of Ndzingeni especially
in the area of agriculture from which I believe employment can be generated.
This is especially because the Maguga Dam is within close proximity,” he said.
Thulani Mndzawe, Ndwandwe’s campaign manager, reiterates that the campaign
trail was tough. “I actually campaigned for Lutfo in 2003 but because I felt
that there was a need for change I then swopped camps. Victory is sweet after
all the challenges we have faced in recent months.”
Another supporter, Samson Manyatsi thanked God for the outcome, emphasising the
need for change and expressing hope for a brighter future in the area.
Commenting on the former minister’s defeat, Manyatsi said “Setfule ingwe
esihlahleni” meaning we defeated a leopard.
A victory celebration led by a brief prayer was then held at Ndwandwe’s home
at Ebulandzeni where a beast was slaughtered for his supporters.