Politics

MBABANE – Eswatini’s delegation to the Pan-African Parliament raised sharp cultural and legal concerns over the Draft Model Law on Gender Equality and Equity in Africa.

The delegation warned that some provisions risk clashing with traditions and practices recognised in many African societies.

During the Fifth Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), held in Midrand, South Africa, from July 16 to August 1, 2025, Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini, Rapporteur of the Southern Caucus and Head of the Eswatini delegation, intervened on specific clauses of the draft law.

Dlamini argued that Article 45 (11), which addresses marriage and consent, could “unintentionally outlaw polygamy or polyandry in countries like Eswatini, where such practices are culturally accepted.”

He noted that leaving the matter entirely to the discretion of one spouse risked creating legal friction with long-standing customs. As a remedy, he suggested linguistic revisions, proposing that instead of the wording ‘informed consent’, the article could be reframed as ‘with the knowledge of both parties’ to better reflect cultural contexts.

Turning to Article 61, which concerns harmful practices, Dlamini stressed the need for clarity around virginity testing. “In some cultures, virginity testing is legal and accepted,” he said, urging the law to distinguish between the practice itself and situations where it is forced.

The draft law, he maintained, should make clear its opposition to forced virginity testing, not to the practice altogether. The Eswatini delegation was part of high-level discussions that brought together legislators, diplomats and civil society to debate justice, reparations and governance under the African Union’s theme for 2025: ‘Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.’

PAP President Chief Fortune Charumbira reminded members that the Parliament exists to ensure accountability within the African Union system and to give a voice to African citizens.

He added that the institution is being reformed to deliver results under Agenda 2063, emphasising democracy, peace, security and integration.

Guest of Honour Professor Miguel Cesar Domingos Bembe, Chairperson of the AU Permanent Representatives Committee, echoed the reparations theme, urging bold measures to restore dignity and opportunities denied by colonial legacies.

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Senator calls for African unity

BY MLONDZI NKAMBULE

MBABANE – Senator Tony Sibandze has urged African nations to strengthen support for one another and leverage the continent’s vast resources.

The call comes in the face of mounting economic pressures from United States visa restrictions and tariffs. Speaking while attending the Pan-African Parliament Sessional Committee session, on the Fifth Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament, held in Midrand, Republic of South Africa, Sibandze challenged the continent to rethink its reliance on external support and instead commit to intra-African trade and financial self-reliance.

 “Africa needs to ask herself if she is poor or if she has failed to support each other,” Sibandze said in his contribution as Rapporteur of the Committee on Monetary and Financial Affairs during a debate on financing the Pan-African Parliament.

“Africa is operating underwater financially and there is a need to make means of raising money despite the challenges that are there and stop the heavy reliance on European countries for help.”

He warned that overdependence on foreign countries and other external partners undermines the continent’s autonomy, pointing to trade practices that he said reflected a lack of confidence in African capacity.

*Full article available in our publication.

Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini, who led the Eswatini delegation. (Pic: File)