14:46 We continue to bring you reactions from those who were in Parliament
Ministers Pholile Shakantu and David Ngcamphalala react to His Majesty’s speech pic.twitter.com/w1fxFU6HyV
— Phephile Motau (@PhephyMotau) February 17, 2023
His Majesty King Mswati III and Her Majesty the Indlovukazi takes a portrait with members of the 11th patliament. #EswatiniParliament #Eswatini #ParliamentOpening pic.twitter.com/3NV2SUWNUd
— Phephile Motau (@PhephyMotau) February 17, 2023
14:26 Reactions following His Majesty, King Mswati III Parliamentary Address
Minister of Tinkhundla and Regional Development David ‘Cruiser’ Ngcamphalala
Advertisement
13:44 Sponsoring Terrorism in Eswatini is a crime against humanity – King
His Majesty King Mswati says those sponsoring terrorism in the country are committing a crime against humanity.
Delivering his speech during the State Opening of the 5th session of the 11th Parliament, The King called upon all mankind and friends of the Kingdom in particular, to condemn the acts of assassinations where
many lives have been lost in the country.
“We send words of comfort to all families that have been affected by these developments. Impilo yemaswati ayitsengisi bekunene. Akuphele lokubulala sive. We beseech the almighty God to forgive those who are causing terror in the Kingdom with the aim of reversing all the gains that emaSwati have worked for since we gained our Independence in 1968,†the King said.
His Majesty added: “Let us promote the spirit of living in harmony with one another. Let us guard and cherish this jewel as a nation for the benefit of our future generations”.
The King said God gave each nation its own identity and Eswatini thrives on its strength and unity which are entrenched in its customs and traditions.
“We have a duty as Emaswati to guard and protect this herniate for the benefit of our coming generations. As emaSwati, we were given this country by Mvelinchati to live in and he expects us to love and be tolerant of each other. Our diversity and beliefs should not crate hate amongst ourselves but rather show true patriotism who we are as a people of this great Kingdom,†the King said.
Advertisement
13:40Â EmaSwati must be the biggest beneficiary of mineral resources
EmaSwati must be the biggest beneficiary of the country’s mineral resources, the King has said.
The King disclosed that numerous mineral targets were successfully identified through a survey conducted last year and it is important that the biggest beneficiaries of these minerals are the people of Eswatini.
His Majesty said this requires a review of the mining legislation, taking into account the practices of nations that are successful in this regard, such as the Gulf States. “We must ensure that emaSwati reap the full benefits of our God-given resources”.
13:36 Thermal power station must be constructed
The King has directed the government to pursue the thermal power project given the abundance of coal deposits in the country.
The King said this needs to be done while taking into consideration minimising the impact of emissions on the environment using technological advancements as we are seeing in some developed countries.
The King also said another source of energy is solar, which could address the issue of power in the country, to assist those who are underprivileged and without the capacity to wire their houses.
Advertisment
His Majesty also spoke about making the Kingdom a preferred tourist destination. The King said all efforts should be made to ensure the Kingdom remains a preferred destination of choice both locally and internationally.
Delivering his speech during the State Opening of the 5th session of the 11th Parliament, the King said Eswatini’s tourism offering is also highly dependent on the country’s rich natural and cultural heritage which is one of a kind.
“It is for this reason that the Kingdom has embarked on the Big Five National Park project which is motivated by the desire to improve and secure Eswatini’s conservation estate. It will also increase our overall tourism receipts which will have direct results in improving the economy. Government should commence this project this coming financial year because it has handsome dividends,†His Majesty said.
13:31Â Housing and resettlement must be improved
His Majesty the King has directed the government to implement a well-structured resettlement programme that will oversee the growth in the rural communities, which are exhibiting fast-growing economic activities that are transforming the areas into towns.
The King said it is imperative that the government quickly address this anomaly that has resulted in numerous land disputes and proved costly when much-needed economic growth has to be initiated.
The King said proper demarcation and respect for boundaries of private land and Eswatini nation land needs to be enforced so that the development of our communities can be speeded up and the people can derive benefit from essential service facilities. His Majesty told the government to see to it that the resettlement programme incorporates housing schemes in rural areas that attract financing from private institutions.
Advertisement
13:26 Eswatini committed to meeting Agenda 2030 of the SDGs – HMK
His Majesty King Mswati III says the Kingdom is committed to meeting Agenda 2030 of the Sustainable Development Goals in the remaining seven years.
He said the voluntary national review reports in 2019 and 2022, submitted at the High-Level Forum on SDGs in New York, have helped the Kingdom to reflect on the progress we have made and where we need to improve.
“The National Development Plan 2023/24 – 2027/28, which integrates Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063 of the African Union, has been updated to address emerging challenges. This will remain our guiding instrument for forging ahead with our national development vision and the race to 2030,†said the King.
13:24 Government to continue investing in new roads construction
The King has ordered the government to continue investing in the construction of new roads and rehabilitating the damaged ones.
His Majesty said the government shall give more attention to improving the feeder roads in the communities to attract investment and development in these areas. The King further called for the continuing of the probate rollout across the country to improve the road networks.
King Mswati III also announced that the Sicunusa-Nhlangano road is due completion in July 2023.
13:22Â Mpakeni dam construction will start this year
His Majesty King Mswati III has pronounced that the construction of the Mpakeni Dam will start this financial year in a move to ensure the country is food secure through several policies by promoting the production and marketing of agriculture and food commodities.
The King said the government will continue to roll out the input subsidy for cushioning farmers, among other programmes.
Advertisement
13:19 Investment in young people vital – His Majesty
His Majesty King Mswati III says the government will strive to ensure that young people contribute positively to the development of the country, as well as improve their own lives.
Speaking during the official opening of parliament, His Majesty noted that in 2022, the Kingdom had successful events aimed at promoting Eswatini as an international investment destination and looks forward to realising the results of these efforts this year.
“We urge all stakeholders and partners to work harder to increase investments in young people’s education, health, and economic empowerment for the realisation of their full potential. In this regard, last year I launched a partnership with the UNDP to support the youth through an empowerment programme that will contribute to our efforts of creating job opportunities for them. The youth should take advantage of this programme, which has already received tremendous support from the private sector,†the King said.
His Majesty highlighted that he was pleased that all the UN agencies in Eswatini are now working to consolidate their support into one UN youth offer, which they will soon present to the government, as an addition to the one launched in November last year.
“It will focus on economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, education, skills development, health, and well-being of young people. The nation is grateful to the United Nations for this additional contribution. Our young people should also take full advantage of the Youth Revolving Fund, the Regional Development Fund and other initiatives set up to finance innovative business ideas to create jobs for themselves and their peers,†said His Majesty.
13:15Â King directs government to expand health services at clinics
The King has directed the government to expand the services provided at clinics so that they cater for the more diverse needs of the populace. He said the government should ensure that the hospitals and clinics are provided with the required medication, particularly HIV prevention drugs, which should always be made easily accessible.
He then urged communities to jealously protect these structures because they are directly affected if they are destroyed. To improve quality health, the King has announced the completion and operationalisation of five new clinics in various communities.
The King said this is an effort to bring health facilities closer to the people. The clinics were built at Nkomanzi, Hlane, Magwanyana, Tikhuba and Sidvokodvo at Luve.
Advertisement
13:00Â King encourages MSMEs to utilise funding facilities
The King has encouraged MSMEs to take full advantage of the several funding schemes targeted at assisting MSMEs to start their own income-generating projects and create much-needed employment.
The King acknowledged that MSMEs are the lifeblood of inclusive economic growth globally as they drive domestic economic growth and massive job creation.
The King further instructed the government to review the Special Economic Zones Act of 2018 to ensure that it is in line with global requirements.
His Majesty further said the government should fast-track the issue of providing outstanding infrastructure requirements such as the completion of the one-stop-shop service centre to host the relevant service providers.
12:49Â SACU revenue may decline
While SACU remains the main source of revenue, with receipts for Eswatini expected to increase by 102 per cent in 2023/24 from E5.8 billion in 2022/23 to E11.75 billion, this revenue source is volatile and uncertain, the King said.
He went on to say that the SACU revenue formula is in the process of being reviewed and could result in decreased receipts going forward.
With these projections in mind, the King said it is important to ensure we utilize the gains to save for dry days, adding that it is equally important to strengthen the collection of revenue internally while pursuing cost-cutting measures.
12:44Â Government must build 10 factory shells per year to create more jobs
The King has assured the nation that the government is also putting effort to create an enabling business environment through major projects.
As part of job creation, the government should revert to the policy of building at least 10 factory shells per year to stimulate the entry of new investors into the local market, the King said.
The King said each factory shell should not employ less than 200 people to address the issue of unemployment, particularly among our youth, our graduates and the general populace.
However, the King said to realise these goals, we call upon all emaSwati to unite against corruption by refusing to be part of any crime and rejecting every type of criminality for the advancement of our nation.
Advertisement
12:36Â Economy displayed resilience
The King says the domestic economy proved to be one of the most resilient economies, withering several external and other domestic shocks.
He noted that the economy battled with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change-induced disturbances and unprecedented social challenges.
According to the King, these domestic setbacks, coupled with subdued global needs and other trade disruptions, negatively affected overall economic output, which will result in an expected economic growth of about 0.4 per cent in 2022.
12:33 King appreciates Eswatini’s economic development achievements
His Majesty King Mswati III appreciated the economic development achievements. The King disclosed that the country begins the year with a positive economic outlook as in recent years, it has been recognized as the top five growing economies with a GDP growth of 7.43 per cent in 2021, according to the World Bank.
The King highlighted that the country also ranked 2nd when it comes to manufacturing value added per capita in the African continent. In addition to this, Eswatini is currently ranked 6th in the Africa Industrialization Index 2022 which is a testament to its commitment to creating an export-driven private sector-led economy.
Advertisement
12:13Â King commends MPs for their hard work
The King has commended the Members of Parliament for a job well done during their term in office.
The King observed that the Parliamentarians have achieved a lot during their term through engaging in robust debates aimed at improving the lives of emaSwati.
The King noted that much has been achieved and great progress has been made across a wide spectrum of socio-economic landscape as they carried out their oversight role to the best of their capabilities.
The King also commended the MPs for living up to the task entrusted to them by a nation that continues to enjoy its unique democratic right to direct representation.
12:07Â King: “Diversity and beliefs should not create hate among emaSwati”
His Majesty King Mswati III has urged emaSwati to unite and tolerate each other.
The King said our beliefs and diversity should not create hate amongst ourselves, but rather show true patriotism to who we are as a people of this great Kingdom. The King urged emaSwati to co-exist despite the different ways of looking at the development and social landscape.
“Each and every liswati should be guided by the principles of the holy book; “thou shall love thy neighbour as thyself. There is no other commandment greater than theseâ€.
Advertisement
12:00Â King thanks emaSwati for honouring national ceremonies
His Majesty King Mswati III has thanked the nation for showing their love for the very important Incwala Ceremony.
The King thanked God and the ancestors for providing guidance that has seen the country through the year, during which the nation has been able to come together for the national prayer and traditional ceremonies.
The King said the participation of emaSwati and friends of the Kingdom from abroad at the Incwala ceremony was highly impressive, which defied some attempts to discourage participation in a custom so dearly loved by our people.
The Kings said the big turnout from the beginning of Incwala until the last day, was highly commendable, adding that it gives hope that future generations will find this tradition very much alive.
The King commended the resounding success of other national ceremonies which the nation looks forward to this year, all of which continue to attract visitors from different continents of the world. this speaks to the uniqueness of Eswatini culture, “and we should always remain proud of who we are.â€
11:35 The King has taken his seat in ParliamentÂ
At exactly 11:25am, His Majesty King Mswati III entered the Parliament chambers. pic.twitter.com/2CKZDv6PHi
— Queen Ntombi Mhlongo (@Ntombz1606) February 17, 2023
Advertisement
11:32 His Majesty, King Mswati III walking on the red carpet to enter Parliament
11:24 His Majesty, King Mswati III has arrived in Parliament.Â
Advertisement
11:06 Proceedings are starting in Parliament.Â
Her Royal Highness the Indlovukazi has arrived in Parliament for the State Opening of the 5th Session of the 11th Parliament. pic.twitter.com/9bMg1hS8G7
— Queen Ntombi Mhlongo (@Ntombz1606) February 17, 2023
10:43 Fashionistas also reperesented during the the Opening of Parliament
Invited guests turned up the heat with their fashion choices during the opening of parliament pic.twitter.com/iVS4iA8eAG
— Phephile Motau (@PhephyMotau) February 17, 2023
— Phephile Motau (@PhephyMotau) February 17, 2023
— Phephile Motau (@PhephyMotau) February 17, 2023
Advertisement
10:39 Guests continue to trickle in as we get closer to His Majesty, King Mswati III addressing the nationÂ
More arrivals pic.twitter.com/gKuAGtjRVd
— Phephile Motau (@PhephyMotau) February 17, 2023
The programme for the State Opening of the 5th Session of the 11th Parliament reflects that all MPs will be seated by 10am,after which the CJ Bheki Maphalala will arrive followed by the Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini. pic.twitter.com/wad1vWo5GE
— Queen Ntombi Mhlongo (@Ntombz1606) February 17, 2023
10:01 Advertisement
10:00
More arrivals at the State Opening of the fifth session of the 11th Parliament pic.twitter.com/wpXCcvS81T
— Phephile Motau (@PhephyMotau) February 17, 2023
Members of Parliament have started arriving for the State Opening of the 5th Session of the 11th Parliament. They are dressed in traditional regalia pic.twitter.com/spqvB0MUJA
— Queen Ntombi Mhlongo (@Ntombz1606) February 17, 2023
All roads lead to Lobamba this morning, where His Majesty King Mswati III is expected to address the nation at the State Opening of the 5th Session of the 11th Parliament.
The nation eagerly awaits the address, which will set the roadmap for the year. Thousands of emaSwati will be able to follow proceedings live on Eswatini TV and other social media platforms.
Due to limited space inside the chambers, only 200 people will be accommodated, while others will follow the proceedings from different designated areas within the Parliament premises.
All attendees are required to produce Covid-19 vaccination certificates upon arrival while those who do not have them will be expected to undergo tests on-site.
Eswatini Daily News will be bringing you regular live updates from this national event.
09:18 Its a hive of activity in around Parliament as guests start to arrive for the Opening of Parliament.Â
The stage is set for the Lion to roar! His Majesty King Mswati III is expected to deliver the Speech from the Throne to mark the official opening of Parliament. pic.twitter.com/r585YO890o
— Queen Ntombi Mhlongo (@Ntombz1606) February 17, 2023
09:26 Dignitaries and guests have started arriving for the official Opening of Parliament.Â
09:29 Senator Chief Prince Mphatfwa speaks ahead of the start of the official programme.Â
09:35 Advertisement
09:38 Young people represented at Parly Opening
By Khulile Thwala
Clerk to Parliament Benedict Xaba has revealed that for the first time, pupils from all four regions of Eswatini will be present today at the official opening of Parliament.
He said this during a live radio show on EBIS 1. According to Xaba, in previous years, the attendance of school children was only limited to schools from the Hhohho and Manzini regions.
However, this time around all four regions will be represented as pupils from some schools in the regions will be present to witness the opening of Parly.
“School pupils from as far as Ngudzeni and Nhlangano will be present for the opening.†Xaba further reminded the attendees to carry their invitations as well as their vaccination cards to prove that they are vaccinated against Covid-19.
The Clerk to Parliament assured emaSwati that all Covid-19 protocols would be adhered to, and healthcare workers were on standby to ensure adherence.
“We have healthcare workers to ensure attendees who have not been vaccinated do so in order to attain the vaccination card and if you have a cold or are in any way coughing, you are encouraged to wear a mask,â€
said Xaba.
He further detailed how although it was drizzling the weather was still warm enough for those who will be present to dress to the nines and encouraged attendees to look their best for the official Parly opening.
