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PM’S STATEMENT A THREAT TO CJ’S JOB – MINISTER

25/03/2015 04:48:00 BY MUSA SIMELANE

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LOBAMBA – The statement made by the Prime Minister (PM), Sibusiso Dlamini, in Parliament on Monday about the CJ having to ‘get out of the way’ can easily be interpreted as a veiled threat.

This was the observation of Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Sibusiso Shongwe, during an interview, yesterday. The threat would be on the job of Michael Ramodibedi as the Chief Justice (CJ).
The PM was talking about the interference of High Court Registrar Fikile Nhlabatsi in matters of politics whereas, as a civil servant, she was not supposed to. This was in reference to an ‘attack’ statement she signed and issued on behalf of the CJ against the PM. Dlamini told senators that Nhlabatsi had better be careful because she may be left to face the music when the CJ ‘got out of the way’.

Meanwhile, the minister, elaborating on his veiled threat observation, said the PM could easily be interpreted to mean that the CJ was on his way out. And this created an atmosphere of anxiety since there were things that would happen when he was gone. “Why do you say he will go? As far as I’m concerned the CJ, in terms of the Constitution, is supposed to retire at the age of 75. Right now he is 67. So what are you saying – are you saying you will fire him? It’s a veiled threat,” observed Shongwe.

He went on to say this was the very thing that would make government officials not respect the CJ because the premier had indirectly said he would get rid of him. He said this was exactly what he (minister) was faced with in his ministry – which was allegedly that Principal Secretary (PS) Thembinkosi Mamba and others knew that the PM would fire him as minister. “So that is why noma ungakhuluma ini (whatever you say) you are not heeded to,” said the minister.
Shongwe stated that the CJ’s contract would expire when he turned 75, which is the retirement age for judges, so ‘why was he wanted out’?

He said looking back five years ago to date, nothing had changed – the people were still the same save for their attitudes. “That same CJ bowutichenya ngaye (proud of) just yesterday; the Malema mindset must change. Today you are saying Zuma is my friend and tomorrow it becomes different,” said the minister.

During a debate of the ministry’s performance report by the Senate portfolio committee yesterday, Shongwe stated that from the time he became minister, there were those on the inside who said he would not last. So it was still a surprise to him that he was still a Cabinet minister. “I don’t know what will happen if I stay the whole five years,” he further said.

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Comments (7 posted):

Makahonkhe on 25/03/2015 07:55:27

Tibambene ngetihlutfu lombala.

dlamini on 25/03/2015 09:43:52

Awu nine bekunene, asati sesitawuva khona kutsi kuphumani ekugcineni. Asingakhulumi kakhulu.

Zweli on 25/03/2015 11:18:19

Respecting people especially your boss is a good thing Mr Shongwe. The content of your speech is really disturbing. Please show a sign of respect to both the PM and your PS, then your will be a better man in the future. After all, that is what the bible says.

mncedisi Radebe on 25/03/2015 11:23:05

kadze sikhala ngalokngalandzelwa kwe constitution ..CJ mele ngabe uliswati lemdzabu.. akabuyele kibo Mr. Ramodibedi ..I can't say he is honourable ngobe ngyawube ngsebentisa a forked tongue...

Johane Dlamini on 25/03/2015 13:33:56

Without any justification the prime minister on his return from Lesotho made unwarranted comments to journalists about the Chief Justice. The judge had a right to be angry and therefore fired back. In response the PM issued a menacing statement pregnant with threats that he does not engage in "street fights" meaning he was going to deal with the Chief Justice behind the scenes. The Prime Minister should desist from peddling false tales about the Chief Justice, and be man enough to apologize. The witch-hunt of innocent civil servants who talk politics should cease with immediate effect. If the vote of no confidence cast on the Sibusiso Dlamini - led government was constitutionally carried out we would not be in this mess, and we would not have lost AGOA. How long should Swazis put up with the Prime Minister's excessess?

Zihlathi Sibandze on 25/03/2015 13:47:05

The statement made by the Prime Minister Sibusiso Dlamini, in Parliament about the Chief Justice having to ‘get out of the way’ is a veiled threat that portrays the system as a murderous regime. What is he going to do to him? Is he going to have him killed? The PM further issued another serious threat when he told senators that High Court Registrar Fikile Nhlabatsi had better be careful because she may be left to face the music when the CJ ‘got out of the way’. If anyone is to face the music it better be him for abusing office. This man (PM) is dangerous. What I can say to him in our languege: "Anganyamalali lo Chief Justice, futsi angalahleki lo-Fikile Nhlabatsi." Can the appointing authority remove the prime minister. Why are they afraid of him?

Bahle Mlangeni on 25/03/2015 13:50:42

The Prime Minister is running this country like an animal farm. We are sick and tired of his bullying tactics. Bravo Chief Justice for taking the bull by its horns. May be he is the only one who can save us.