Politics

EZULWINI – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has workshopped its portfolio committee members on the ministry’s mandate.

During the workshop, Minister Pholile Shakantu revealed that the ministry had four core mandates: Diplomacy, economic advancement, cultural promotion and international co-operation. She said part of their mandate is to present Eswatini as a sovereign and independent State with its own legislation and policies.

“When we engage with other countries, we are standing as a country that is sovereign. A takeaway from Sibaya was also for us to promote the country’s system of government and correct the misconceptions and misunderstandings that exist beyond our borders,” she said.

The minister explained that speaking openly about the country’s political system will make other countries understand it well and respect Eswatini’s sovereignty.

“Some countries would interpret our political system as not democratic because they do not understand the finer details of how we are constituted as a country. It is now our priority to utilise every chance we get to educate others on our political system,” the minister explained.

Shakantu further explained that when they give history about the country, they share that before Eswatini became a British protectorate, it was found to be politically and legally established with a Constitution that had not been laid down in writing at the time. She said that they expect the legislators to also sell the country well when they go outside the country.

Full article available in our paper.

Senator Princess Ncengencenge (R) making her submissions. Next to her is Senator Chief Zabeni and Senator Celumusa Mndvoti. (Pic: Sabelo Majola)