By Bahle Gama
Preparations for the opening of parliament on Friday, January 31, 2025, have come to an end and the nation should look forward to His Majesty King Mswati III’s address.
On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, Prime Minister Russell Dlamini participated in the final rehearsals for the official opening of the 13th Parliament,
where security forces, houses of parliament and different stakeholders reminded each other of the procedures for the main day.
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PM applauded all the respective Ministries and departments responsible for the preparations for a job well done and advised guests to ensure they adhere to all the regulations on the day.
“We also plead that they heed the instructions on their invitation cards, specifically the time of arrival,” he said.
Speaker in the House of Assembly Jabulani Mabuza emphasised that phones will not be allowed inside the chambers and gallery,
so guests that will be in the same room with Their Majesties should be ready to surrender their phones upon arrival.
Only those who will be outside in the marquee will be allowed to keep their phones.
“This is the procedure and is not meant to frustrate anyone.
Over and above, those in the marquee are not being discriminated, we just won’t be able to fit everyone in the chambers, but we have ensured they are comfortable as they follow the proceedings inside from a screen,” he said.
Meanwhile, Clerk to Parliament Bennedict Xaba reiterated the dress code which is traditional or formal wear.
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Guests have also been warned that by 10 am everyone should be within the premises and preferably seated.
Because that is when entry will be closed, in preparation for Their Majesties’ arrival.
Further, the weather has been predicted to be extremely hot during the opening and guests have been advised to dress for the conditions and always stay hydrated.
