By Bahle Gama
On Tuesday, 35 senator hopefuls were nominated by Members of Parliament (MPs) for the position of Senators.
Of these were 23 men and 12 women all vying for the 10 available seats in parliament. The nomination in the House of Assembly caused a frenzy among both nominees and the MPs and more new faces/names were called up and, in the process, some bagging several nominations per person.
After the nominations, the August House adjourned with the intention of resuming the election on Thursday.
The day has arrived and the fate of these 35 hopefuls will be known today (Thursday). Five seats are available for women and the same for men.
The nomination of senators is according to the Senate Elections Act of 2013. It is corroborated by the Constitution which states that the Senate must not exceed 31 members, and currently numbers 30 in the country. His Majesty appoints 20, while the remaining ten are elected by the House of Assembly.
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Of these, at least eight of the 20 and at least five of the ten must be women. All senators serve five-year terms. Each senator must be at least 18 years old, a citizen, a registered voter, and have paid all taxes or made arrangements satisfactory to the Commissioner of Taxes.
The nominated candidates for the 12th Parliament include returning senators, former ministers, sports personalities, and businesspeople. Of the returning candidates, there were former Senator and Minister of Health Lizzie Nkosi, former Senator Goodness Malambe, and Busi Alexia Dlamini along with former regional MP Nkhosingsite Lorraine Nxumalo.
Former Minister of Health in the 10th Parliament Sibongile Ndlela was also nominated. To the list were also Ezulwini Mayor Bongile Mbingo, Cheshire Home Director Nonhlanhla Khabo Dlamini, Lindiwe Patricia Ngwenya, and Mcebo Dlamini-Shongwe.
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The male nominees included former senators in the 11th Parliament Tony Sibandze, Ndumiso Mdluli, and Zombodze Robert Magagula. Other nominees include Wandile Sizwe Themba, Sibusiso Mndzebele, Sicelo Cedusizi Dlamini, Bhutana Samuela Dlamini, Thandolwenkhosi Dlamini, Shadrack Maphosa, Phinda Malangeni Dlamini, Christopher Muzi Matsebula, Simanag Thwala, Manzolwandle Gamedze, Ntandoyenkosi Mlangeni, Richard Sabelo Shongwe, Siphelele Majaha Mkhonta, Patric Mavimbela, Majobha Magagula, Adam Bomber Mthethwa and Thokozani Mamba.
Post the nomination, the hopefuls submitted their letters accepting the nominations and had their details including fingerprints taken for vetting. The house will return on Thursday for voting and determination of the fate of the 35.
