Former colleagues of Trusty Gina, the late deputy speaker of Eswatini's House of Assembly, have paid tribute to her, remembering her guidance, parliamentary service, and friendship. They described her as a mother angel whose generosity, political wisdom, and willingness to guide others left an enduring mark on those who worked alongside her. Gina's political career was defined by years of parliamentary service, including her election as Member of Parliament for Nkilongo in 2003.
Trusty Gina was more than an experienced legislator to many politicians she encountered; she was a mentor who took young politicians under her wing, offered counsel when it mattered, and remained a trusted advisor even after official working relationships came to an end. Former minister of tourism and environmental affairs Macford Sibandze described Gina as one of the people who groomed him politically. He recalled how she would advise him on how to position and grow the ministry, drawing from her extensive political experience.
Gina's parliamentary journey included service as a Member of Parliament before assuming the deputy speaker position, giving her considerable experience in the country's political and legislative affairs. She also twice assumed the responsibilities of acting speaker, in 2004 and 2006, cementing her experience as a seasoned parliamentarian, and served in the eighth and ninth Parliaments. Land Management Board Chairperson Petros Mavimbela remembered Gina for her contribution to Parliament during the ninth Parliament.
Trusty Gina's positive work ethic and commitment to the country's development brought her closer to Sibandze, eventually building a friendship that extended into their respective family lives. Even after he ceased being a minister and returned to Parliament as an MP, Sibandze said Gina continued to offer guidance. Mavimbela recalled that Gina diligently held the fort for an extended period when Parliament was without a speaker, demonstrating the leadership and responsibility expected of her office.
Gina was appointed to represent Eswatini at the Pan-African Parliament, where she completed her term and continued to demonstrate leadership and integrity, according to Mavimbela. He extended his condolences to Gina's family, former members of the ninth Parliament, and everyone affected by her passing. Trusty Gina died at Mbabane Government Hospital on Friday following a prolonged illness.
Preparations for her burial are underway, with a memorial service scheduled for Friday at a venue yet to be confirmed. She is expected to be laid to rest at her home in Mndobandoba on Saturday. As tributes from former colleagues reflect the loss of a woman remembered for offering guidance, friendship, and political mentorship, those she helped navigate the demanding world of politics will deeply miss her counsel.
For those she mentored, Trusty Gina was not simply a former MP or deputy speaker but a mother figure, a mentor, and a mother angel. Her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched during her parliamentary service and beyond. The outpouring of tributes is a testament to her enduring impact on Eswatini's politics and the people she mentored and guided throughout her career.
Key points
- Trusty Gina served as deputy speaker of Eswatini's House of Assembly and mentored several politicians.
- She was remembered for her guidance, parliamentary service, and friendship.
- Gina's legacy will live on through the many lives she touched during her parliamentary service and beyond.
Reporting sources
- Trusty Gina remembered as political mentor · Swazi Observer
