By Delisa Thwala
The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, in a bid to heed and act steadfastly on His Majesty’s call for an end to Corruption, has engaged in the development of a National Anti-Corruption Policy.
This is in accordance with the policy directive issued by His Majesty the King during Sibaya and during the opening of the 12th Session of Parliament.
His Majesty has entrusted the Government with the critical mandate of decisively addressing corruption in the Kingdom.
Considering this imperative, the Ministry, in collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), held a consultative meeting with the House of Senators aimed at shaping the development of a comprehensive national anti-corruption policy.
The meeting took place at Esibayeni Lodge on Wednesday, 14th, August 2024.
Senators shared valuable insights and contributions that were very essential. The consultative meeting provides a platform for stakeholders from various sectors to contribute their perspectives, experiences, and recommendations towards the formulation of a robust anti-corruption policy that reflects the diverse needs and interests of society.
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This exercise will also inform the review of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy. Further, the Ministry is looking forward to meeting other groups like NGOs, Civil Society, and Academia, to mention a few.
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Prince Simelane Prince, urged members of the public to bring forward reports of any corrupt activity without fail to the anti-corruption task team.
The minister applauded Prime Minister Russell Dlamini for appointing the anti-corruption task team hardly three days after the directive by His Majesty King Mswati III during the official opening of the 12th Parliament.
The king spoke strongly about the need to ensure that the scourge of corruption gets fought expediently by all stakeholders.
Prince Simelane said it was impressive that the PM found it prudent to make meaningful efforts towards making a strong statement in the fight against corruption on his first day at the office after the king’s speech.
“I felt teary as the king explained the scourge of corruption in Eswatini when delivering the Speech from the Throne. However, my tears have been wiped by the strong declaration by the PM appointing this task force,” he said.
The Prime Minister (PM) Russell Dlamini in February appointed an anti-corruption task team.
He strictly ordered them to commence investigations and bring them to finality with immediate effect. Dlamini minced no words when emphasising that no case must be dropped
Dlamini further said Emaswati have made their voices heard at Sibaya, expressing frustration with the lack of tangible progress in addressing this issue.
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“ We strongly encourage the government to prioritize taking action on this matter. It is high time we witness judgments passed on individuals involved in corruption, holding them accountable for their actions,” the king ordered during the Speech from the Throne.
Dlamini mentioned that the launch of the anti-corruption task team was a positive step towards promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in line with the policy direction that was clearly articulated in the Speech from the Throne.
“This initiative now reflects the government’s commitment to combating corruption and ensuring the efficient use of public resources for the betterment of society,” said Dlamini.
The premier explained that the task team would report to his office and work with the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Prince Simelane.
He urged the nation to work in tandem with the team as they fight the scourge. Dlamini said the government has all the confidence in the team that they would deliver the expected results.
“Corruption is making life worse for the poor. Let us all come together and be the change and stand together in favour of our people and the prosperity of our kingdom and not corruption,” Dlamini emphasized.
