LOBAMBA – Members of Parliament have called for stricter vetting procedures for investors seeking to establish businesses in the country.
Lamgabhi MP Sicelo Jele raised concerns that some investors close their businesses shortly after opening operations, leaving emaSwati employees without income.
“There must be a proper system for assessing and vetting investors to determine whether they have the financial and operational capacity to sustain their businesses,” he said.
Siphofaneni MP Nomalungelo Simelane also stressed the need for investor accountability, citing a factory in her constituency that had shut down after failing to meet salary obligations.
“This has caused significant frustration among employees who were working in that factory shell,” she said.
Simelane further advocated for improved wages within factory shells, noting that many emaSwati now seek employment in factories across the border where salaries are higher, often placing themselves in risky living conditions due to their undocumented status.
Lobamba MP Michael Masilela urged the Minister for Commerce, Industry and Trade to advocate for an increase in the minimum wage to at least E3 500.
Kubuta MP Masiphula Mamba also raised concerns about workers earning below taxable income levels, suggesting that some investors exploit tax holidays granted to businesses.
He recommended attracting investors similar to Kellogg’s Tolaram, which had been allocated E50 million in the national budget, noting that such investors prioritised employee welfare.
“We do not want investors who will later request bailouts from local institutions,” said Mamba.
Factory shells credited for reducing rural–urban migration
LOBAMBA – Members of Parliament have praised the decentralisation of factory shells across various tinkhundla, stating that the initiative has significantly reduced rural-to-urban migration.
Ndzingeni MP Gcina Magagula said the programme had helped limit migration to Matsapha, which has traditionally been regarded as the country’s main industrial hub.
He explained that emaSwati who relocate to work in Matsapha often struggle financially due to rental costs, groceries, and other living expenses.
“When people are employed closer to their homes in rural areas, they avoid many of these financial pressures because they remain within their communities,” he said.
Sigwe MP David ‘Cruiser’ Ngcamphalala also praised the initiative, saying he would rate the minister highly for the factory shell decentralisation programme.
“The youth are idle and need opportunities to remain productive. The minister should therefore continue expanding factory shells at tinkhundla level,” he said.
However, Kubuta MP Masiphula Mamba cautioned that there should be a long-term strategy guiding the development of factory shells.
“The locations of factory shells must be carefully planned to avoid a situation where they become white elephants in the next 10 years,” he said.
MPs raise alarm over liquor outlets near schools
LOBAMBA – Members of Parliament have raised concern over the increasing number of liquor outlets being established near schools.
MPs urged the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade to strengthen the evaluation process when approving locations for liquor outlets.
Manzini North MP Sifiso Mashayinkonjane Nhlengetfwa said residents in his constituency had expressed serious concern over the proximity of alcohol outlets to schools.
“Constituents in Manzini North have expressed great concern about the accessibility of alcohol to children because of liquor outlets located close to schools,” he said.
He further noted that the increasing issuance of liquor licences had contributed to growing alcohol abuse among communities.
Ndzingeni MP Gcina Magagula questioned why the ministry had not deployed inspectors to properly assess locations before liquor outlets were established.
“There is a mushrooming of liquor outlets near schools. Children tend to imitate the behaviour they observe among adults who consume alcohol,” he said.
Magagula also proposed the introduction of a levy on alcohol and cigarettes, suggesting that the revenue could be channelled towards social grants.
He noted that the elderly had not received an increase in their grants this year, and such a levy could help supplement social welfare programmes.
However, it was noted that alcohol and cigarettes are already subject to a sin tax administered by the Ministry of Finance.
Traffic congestion in Matsapha raises concerns
LOBAMBA – Kwaluseni MP Sifiso Shongwe raised concerns over severe traffic congestion affecting the Matsapha Industrial Site.
Shongwe asked Minister for Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo whether he was aware that some operations at Matsapha Industrial Site effectively cease around 4pm due to traffic congestion at Ndlunganye, which prevents vehicles from entering the industrial area smoothly.
He also sought clarification on whether the 24-hour operation of retail outlets had been legally approved in the case of the Pick n Pay store located at Mashayitafula in Matsapha.
The MP further asked what requirements other businesses would need to meet should they wish to operate on a 24-hour basis.
Ministry of Defence and National Security Portfolio Committee Chairperson Nkomiyahlaba MP Mduduzi Dlamini (L) and a Parliament clerk yesterday. (Pics: Khulile Thwala)