LOBAMBA - To maintain their dignity, Ngudzeni Member of Parliament (MP) Charles Ndlovu has filed a proposal in Parliament, calling for housing support for chiefs.
In the questions for oral answers as reflected in the House of Assembly’s Notice Paper, MP Ndlovu said: “could the minister for Tinkhundla Administration and Development explain why chiefs do not receive houses, given that the elderly are provided with houses and communities are provided with halls.”
Eswatini News reached out to the lawmaker for details. In an interview, he said struggling chiefs deserve housing support from government. The reason, he said, chiefs must maintain their dignity in society. The exact number for chiefs could not be ascertained, but there are over 300 chiefdoms in the country.
Ndlovu said the proposal was informed by the difficult living conditions confronting some chiefs across the country, despite the critical role they continue to play within communities. The question is directed to the Minister for Tinkhundla Administration and Development Sikhumbuzo Dlamini. The minister is currently abroad and will be expected to respond to the MP’s question.
He said the matter was no longer merely about housing structures, but restoring dignity within the institution of chieftaincy. “Many of our chiefs are living in poverty. They are struggling; hence my aim is for government to come onboard in order for them to have dignity,” said Ndlovu.
The MP acknowledged that some members of the public believed chiefs were financially stable due to proceeds collected from kukhonta (settlement) fees. However, he argued that the perception did not reflect realities in many chiefdoms. “Only a few chiefs make significant money from settlement fees. In many imiphakatsi, the same money is channelled toward projects undertaken within royal kraals,” he explained.
The MP further said chiefs remained burdened with numerous responsibilities within communities despite operating under limited resources and difficult conditions. Asked about the type of houses he envisioned should government support the proposal, the legislator said decent three-bedroom houses would be suitable for chiefs. He, however, clarified that the proposal did not seek to benefit chiefs already in gainful employment.
Section 233 (1) of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Eswatini provides that chiefs are the footstool of Ingwenyama and Ingwenyama rules through the chiefs. Subsection 2 states that Ingwenyama may appoint any person to be chief over any area.
Constitutionally, the general rule is that every umphakatsi (chief’s residence) is headed by a chief who is appointed by Ingwenyama after the chief has been selected by the lusendvo (family council) and shall vacate office in like manner.
Section 233 (4) states that the position of a chief as a local head of one or more areas is usually hereditary and is regulated by Swati law and custom.
Unless the situation otherwise requires, a chief shall assume office at the age of 18 years or so soon thereafter as the period of mourning comes to an end.
It is stated in the Constitution that a chief, as a symbol of unity and a father of the community, does not take part in partisan politics. It is said that he may be appointed to any public office for which the chief may be otherwise qualified.
The powers and functions of chiefs are in accordance with Swati law and custom or conferred by Parliament or Ingwenyama from time to time. It is provided in the Constitution that a chief enforces a custom, tradition, practice or usage which is just and not discriminatory
The legislator’s remarks come at a time when government continues implementing social welfare housing projects through the Deputy Prime Minister’s (DPM) Office, particularly targeting elderly and vulnerable citizens.
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We welcome move - Chief Lodlakama
LOBAMBA - Meanwhile, Chief Lodlakama from Nginamadvolo in the Hhohho Region under Piggs Peak Inkhundla has welcomed MP Charles Ndlovu’s proposal.
He described it as an important attempt at restoring dignity within the institution of chieftaincy.
Reacting to the question expected to be tabled in Parliament, the chief said many traditional leaders continued living under difficult conditions despite the responsibilities entrusted to them. “We would truly welcome assistance from government because some chiefs do not have decent houses,” he said.
Chief Lodlakama further said chiefs were increasingly facing resistance from residents whenever they appealed for contributions towards umphakatsi projects.
“We are now living in times where people in our communities no longer appreciate being called to assist, with a number of chiefs facing resistance. Therefore, government intervention could really help in this case,” he said.
The chief added that it was encouraging to see MPs raising concerns about the welfare of traditional leaders.
He also commended government for previously assisting with fencing projects at several imiphakatsi around the country.
On another note, Chief Lodlakama praised the DPM’s office for continuing to construct houses for elderly and vulnerable citizens across the country. However, he appealed for future housing projects to include built-in bathrooms, particularly for elderly citizens and people living with disabilities.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
Ngudzeni MP Charles Ndlovu is expected to move a motion directed to the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development calling for them to explain why chiefs do not recieve houses. (Pic: File)