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NEW PARLY TO REVIVE ECONOMY – EXPERTS

20/10/2018 01:05:00 BY ZWELAKHE MOAHLOLI

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MBABANE – The new parliament has been described as a perfect mechanism to revive the country’s ailing economy.

This was the obtaining view of people from different sectors of society when scrutinising the composition of the honourable House.
This was after His Majesty King Mswati III on Thursday night appointed the final 20 members of Senate.

Currently, the only missing link now is the head of government who is expected to be announced by the King during Sibaya very soon.
Already, all 69 members of the House of Assembly have been sworn in while senators are expected to take oath next week.

perspective

Businessman and economist, Enziwe Dube, who was speaking from a corporate perspective, said His Majesty had clearly made a statement of intent with the royal appointment of senators.
The list comprise of big wigs from the local corporate sector in the country. “One cannot wait any longer to hear the nature and quality of debates in the House,” Dube said.

Besides the corporate big guns, Dube also noted that royal appointees comprised youth, females and experience.
In his analysis, Dube said topping the list was the young vibrant and intelligent Princess Sikhanyiso.

He said her interest in the development of this country was unsurpassed as she served as a leader of Imbali diligently.
“She has acquired due corporate experience as well in the various boards that she serves in. Personally, I would like to see her in cabinet as likusasa liphetfwe yiYouth,” Dube opined.

The businessman was also of the view that the princes and princesses who have been appointed had diverse qualities and expertise.

invaluable

He said their participation in the Senate would be invaluable as custodians of institutional memory to provide guidance to deliberation.
“Among them are those who wholeheartedly love our culture and way of life. I have had the opportunity to interact with most of them and found their engagement deep and thoughtful, including my colleague and friend Prince Mphatfwa, a person I hold in high regard. Personally, I am not surprised with these appointments.”

He pointed out that he had had the opportunity of working, as well, under Cleopas Dlamini, whom he described as highly qualified with an immaculate executive leadership track record.

combined

He portrayed Dlamini as a strategist and technocrat combined- which was a rare corporate combination. “Umlangeni is service delivery and results oriented as evidenced by the tangible milestones reached and achievements made by the institution he so diligently led, the PSPF.”

He said having him in the Senate accords the assembly the corporate platform from which to comprehend the global landscape from an informed perspective in pursuit of the Royal vision- development and prosperity for all emaSwati.

“Because I come from the corporate world, I have to guard against self-bias regarding the combination, diverse qualities and expertise of the rest of the Royal appointees. It boasts of tried and tested leaders in the public and political arena. these include former DPM Themba Masuku, a visionary who executed his duties flawlessly and selflessly, high respectable,” he elaborated.

breath

Dube said it was a breath of fresh air having him back.
He said this also applied to Pastor Lindiwe Dlamini, who was the Minister of Public Works and Transport who ran her ministry as a corporate office instead of a traditional government department, as that was a catalyst to improved service delivery toward achieving first world status. He said it was not a surprise seeing her back.

About Thuli Dladla, Dube said she was renowned from her firm hand leadership of the Public Accounts Committee.

opportunity

“I had the opportunity to interact with her both at PAC and within the corridors of board of directors she served in. Deep thinker; never hesitates to call a spade a spade. The right calibre of people we need in the legislature.” He said it was intriguing to see successful and respected businesspeople such the former Regional Administrator of Lubombo region, Sylvia Mthethwa make it to senate.

“In the corporate world, there is a familiar expression we call ‘claim to fame’- what are you known for. Everything she touches turns to gold. she built her company from nothing to one of the longest stationery manufactures and suppliers. Her participation in the assembly will be felt.”

Last but not least are the corporate gurus and captains of the industry; Peter Bhembe and Mancoba Khumalo who young executive and upcoming managers need to look up to. He said one of the most difficult challenges in the top echelons of the corporate world was to remain upright and unblemished.
“I repeat my words that I cannot wait to see the Senate commence its work.”

foresee

From the royal appointees, Dube stated that he could foresee His Majesty’s vision 2022 being a reality.
“I see the royal appointees as a ‘special purpose vehicle’ with a clear-cut mandate- and above all, I remain optimistic and confident that these diverse skills, qualities and individual attributes when converged under the visionary leadership of their Majesties, will definitely take the country to higher heights and the Kingdom of Eswatini being the epitome of development,” he said.

Meanwhile, veteran politician, Prince Masitsela, also concurred that the 11th Parliament was the vehicle to usher the country into First World.
He mentioned that it was his wish to have a well-groomed Parliament that would put God first.
“When going about their duties, they must always ask themselves if God will be happy about their performance.”
stability
The former Manzini RA added that the law makers should always think about peace and stability.
“I’m just praying that God must guide our politicians in making good decisions that will make the country to prosper,” he said. Looking at the composition of the 11th Parliament, Prince Masitsela said it was important for the politicians to improve the country’s economy.
He urged them to tackle issues of taxation. In this regard, the senior citizen said the law-makers should research how other countries dealt with taxes.
“They must also research if in other countries, old citizens like myself were taxed until they die,” said the 88-year-old prince. He opined that it was wrong to tax the elderly.