By Kwanele Dhladhla
Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini strongly affirmed that the existence of cabals will not stop him from delivering service to the nation.
This message was communicated by the PM in a report with responses to the Senate Portfolio Committee which had been asked during the debate of private and cabinet office 2025/2026 financial year’s budget.
The report was tabled in the Senate on Monday when the country’s E32.61 billion was also approved.
The PM had been asked by Senator Siphelele Mkhonta who inquired about news to the effect that there was a cabal in the kingdom which controls Parliament.
RELATED: Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida to resign, paving way for new leader
Mkhonta said if this was true, it meant that this cabal also controlled him, and the honourable House, including Princes and members of Parliament.
“Can we say these are being controlled by the said cabal? Does the cabal exist? What is it and what does it entail?,” Mkhonta asked.
In response, the PM confirmed the existence of the cabal.
Dlamini said he found it important to put the matter into perspective.
He explained that when he talked of a cabal, he was not talking about a group of people that has similar interests, but these could be individuals with a common purpose.
The PM mentioned that cabals were normal in most countries, because, by their nature, they work against the government using underhanded tactics.
Dlamini clarified that by pointing out that there is a cabal, he was not accusing all parliamentarians or the media of being members or being controlled by a cabal.
“Instead, this information is an alert to relevant parties and not a name-and-shame scheme. Cabals are not going to stop us from delivering service to the nation and implementing our mandate, though,” Dlamini explained.
The PM went on to state that the government would continue to fight against all forms of corruption.
He acknowledged that the results of the fight against corruption may appear slow but it was important to do due diligence in order to ensure that the wrong people do not get accused of corruption without evidence.
“Government remains committed to the principle of zero tolerance to corruption in all its forms.
We will continue to strengthen the institutional capabilities of all those involved in the fight against corruption,” Dlamini pledged.
When the PM spoke about the existence of a cabal, he gave two definitions of a cabal, the first being a secret political clique or faction with a common goal.
The PM said another definition of a cabal referred to a small group which makes a secret political move.
“We cannot hide that a cabal exists in the country.
Some people know they are part of it while others don’t but there is a cabal and it must be stopped,”
Dlamini insisted without naming the powerful individuals linked with the cabal.
RELATED: Eswatini extends congratulations to Canada’s new Prime Minister
The PM disclosed that he learnt about the existence of the cabal through his offices’ intelligence unit. Dlamini further submitted that he was not just speaking about rumours but had evidence to substantiate the allegations he was making.
To drive his point home, the PM made an example about the stock theft. He said in cases where cattle were being stolen in large numbers, it was folly to keep arguing about whether cattle were stolen or not, but rather the focus should be on finding the culprits.
In the same vein, the PM said it was not ideal to argue about whether a cabal exists or not in the Kingdom.
However, he said what remains important at this point would be to join forces to ensure that the country gets rid of the cabal before it does more damage
