By Phephile Motau
Speaker in the House of Parliament Petros Mavimbela has honoured Members of Parliament who represented the country in assignments outside the borders.
Mavimbela was speaking during the luncheon of the State Opening of the fifth session of the 11th Parliament. He said the 11th Parliament represented the country well in the international and regional Parliamentary bodies to which the country is affiliated to.
“With the advent of Parliamentary diplomacy, members of the national Parliaments play a crucial role in the advancement of peace, cooperation and human rights across the globe,” he said.
He recognised several Parliamentarians and said their leadership skills secured their seats in regional Parliamentary bodies. The first one was Senator Isaac Magagula who was elected Vice-President of the SADC Parliamentary Forum from 2019 to 2022.
He said Hhohho Regional MP Nokunceda Bujela was elected Rapporteur of the International Parliamentary Union for the period of 2022 to 2025. Mavimbela also mentioned Motshane MP Robert Magongo who was elected Rapporteur of the Pan African Parliament Southern Regional Caucus from 2022 to 2023.
He said Senator Tony Sibandze was first elected Rapporteur of the PAP and was elevated to the Chairperson of the same committee. He further recognised Mduduzi Matsebula, the MP from Siphocosini.
He said as the last lap of their Parliamentary term was about to begin, he wanted to assure His Majesty they would continue to serve the national interest above their own.
The opening of Parliament was a pomp and ceremony type of setup with guest and dignitaries going all out to showcase their wardrobes on the red carpet. There was everything for everyone. From traditional attires to the designer outfits.
Meanwhile, the guests were treated to a four-course meal, which was prepared by Happy Valley Hotel. They were also treated to entertainment from local artists including Sambulo Khumalo, Symphony and Fakazi Samuel.
Pictures of the food on offer on the day.
