Parly to demand answers on VAT refunds, cash in transit Police escorts to private firms

By Kwanele Dhladhla

The House of Assembly is preparing for a charged sitting on Thursday, with Parliament demanding answers from Prime Minister Russell Dlamini and several cabinet ministers on pressing national issues ranging from police operations and mining impacts to tax refunds and health services.

According to the order paper issued by Speaker Jabulani Mabuza, Mahlangatsha MP Mgcucisi Dlamini will table a pointed question to the Prime Minister regarding the deployment of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) as escorts for cash-in-transit (CIT) vehicles belonging to private financial institutions and security firms.

The MP wants the PM to confirm whether there was a legal or policy framework obligating the police to provide this service. He will also ask: “Does the Government ensure this does not divert police resources from their core public safety responsibilities?” reads the question in part.

Concerns have grown in recent months that deploying officers for CIT duties could strain police capacity and reduce protection for communities.

The MPs are pressing the PM to explain how the government balances economic security with the need for effective public policing.

The order paper also states that Ngudzeni MP Charles Ndlovu will question Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela on why the government has not mandated corporate responsibility initiatives for mining companies.

The MP further wants clarity on whether the Ministry considers the well-being of communities affected by mining and if it was fully aware of the negative impacts on health, the environment, and local infrastructure, such as roads.

In addition, Ngudzeni MP Ndlovu will call upon the PM to explain why he has discontinued his monthly breakfast meetings with the Eswatini Editors Forum, which were previously hailed as vital for enhancing government transparency. Ndlovu will ask whether the Prime Minister intends to resume these engagements.

Meanwhile, Hhukwini MP Alec Lushaba is expected to direct tough questions at Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg over the long-standing issue of Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds.

Many Emaswati who trade with South Africa have complained that despite filing the necessary claims and proving payment, they have yet to receive refunds from the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS). Lushaba will press the minister to outline solutions and advise affected citizens on how best to recover their money.

Lushaba will also engage the Minister of Health, Mduduzi Matsebula, requesting an update on the long-awaited Memorandum of Understanding with The Luke Commission.

Parliament was previously assured the agreement would be finalised in the last financial year, but MPs now want clarity on why delays persist. “Has the Ministry checked how The Luke Commission is surviving in the midst of the suspension of certain programmes then, and what is the situation now?” Lushaba will ask.

Thursday’s session is expected to generate lively debate, with MPs pressing for concrete answers on governance, accountability, and service delivery.