Members of Parliament in Eswatini have raised concerns about the conditions under which they perform their legislative and oversight responsibilities. Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini stated that some legislators are forced to work from their vehicle boots due to a lack of offices. He emphasized that MPs need proper facilities, including offices, assistants, and researchers to effectively carry out their duties. Dlamini noted that in other countries, MPs are provided with offices and research support to enable them to perform their duties effectively.
The concerns were raised during a debate on the prime minister's office second-quarter performance report in Parliament. Deputy Prime Minister Thuli Dladla represented the prime minister during the debate. Dlamini highlighted that some MPs have to meet people in unsuitable places or use their vehicles as working spaces. He stressed that the working conditions of MPs need attention, considering their important role in government and the responsibilities entrusted to them. Dlamini also emphasized that MPs are an important arm of government and need to be adequately equipped to carry out their responsibilities.
Dlamini also raised concerns about the country's dependence on external funding, specifically the US$27.8 million received from the Global Fund for programmes in the country. He questioned what would become of the country after the Global Fund withdraws its support and called for preparations to start ahead of the end of the current funding cycle to self-sustain as a country. Additionally, he raised concerns about the reported deaths of 42 men through suicide and asked what could be done to address the problem and provide assistance to men.
Nkomiyahlaba MP Mduduzi Dlamini stated that MPs need to be empowered to appreciate the importance of the parliamentary system and make meaningful contributions during debates. He emphasized that legislators need support to understand the parliamentary system and effectively participate in its processes. The concerns about MPs' capacity to carry out their responsibilities were also reflected in calls for more research support, with legislators expected to scrutinise government programmes, policies, and expenditure.
Lobamba MP Michael Masilela called for comprehensive education reform at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), questioning whether continued financial assistance would resolve the institution's challenges. Masilela argued that even if the university was given money, it would continue accumulating debts if its underlying challenges were not addressed. He suggested transforming the university into a Southern African Development Community (SADC) university or retaining it in its current form.
Members of Parliament have also questioned a reported intention to remove intelligence from the police, calling for clarity on the reasons behind the proposed change and warning against disrupting established structures. Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini questioned why intelligence had initially been placed within the police structure if government was now considering removing it. He cautioned against frequently changing government structures, arguing that established arrangements should not be disrupted without clear reasons.
The MPs' concerns also touched on other issues, including the possibility of merging some government ministries and the size of the national budget. Other MPs questioned government expenditure on trips, among other costs. The national commissioner of police was called upon to address the matter of police intelligence speedily. However, clarification is still required from government on whether a formal decision has been taken regarding the proposed changes.
Key points
- Eswatini MPs raise concerns over working conditions, research support, and proposed changes to police intelligence.
- MPs call for proper facilities, including offices, assistants, and researchers to effectively carry out their duties.
- The country's dependence on external funding and the reported deaths of 42 men through suicide were also raised as concerns.
