‘ Reshuf le, bring in capable ministers’

MBABANE - Newly- appointed Prime Minister ( PM) Cleopas Dlamini should take advantage of the exercise of replacing two deceased ministers to implement a Cabinet reshuffle.

This is the view of an economic analyst who said despite that the new PM would be in office for just two years, it was important for him to be given the mandate of reshuffling the current Cabinet if he saw the need.

According to the Constitution of Swaziland 2005, Cabinet ministers are appointed by His Majesty King Mswati III on recommendation by the PM.

“There shall be a Cabinet which shall consist of the prime minister, deputy prime minister and such number of ministers as the King, after consultations with the prime minister, may deem necessary for the purpose of administering and executing the functions of the government,” reads Section 66, Subsection ( 1) of the Constitution.

Section 67, on the other hand reads; “The King shall appoint ministers from both chambers of Parliament on the recommendation of the prime minister. At least half the number of ministers shall be appointed from among the elected members of the House.

Ministries

The Kingdom of Eswatini has 19 ministries and currently there are 17 ministers following the death of Christian Ntshangase and Makhosi Vilakati who passed on due to COVID19related complications.

The two, who were Members of Parliament ( MPs), are yet to be replaced.

Ntshangase was an MP for Shiselweni I Inkhundla while Vilakati was for LaMgabhi. It is anticipated that they would be replaced after the Elections Boundaries Commission ( EBC) holds byelections for all the politicians who have passed on.

According to the analyst, it was almost impossible for the new PM to be allowed to have his own Cabinet team of ministers to work with since he has been appointed to lead the current one till the end of the term of office for the 11th Parliament.

“I think the country should expect a reshuffle when the two ministers are replaced. Since he is now the PM, he can have an influence or motivate for a reshuffle if he sees that certain ministers are not suitable for the ministries they are currently leading,” said the analyst.

Musa Hlophe also shared the same sentiments, saying the PM should keep the team he has inherited, but then add capable individuals in the likes of former minister and Ndzingeni MP Lutfo Dlamini. “The Cabinet that has been there for three years has a vision. Then bring additional ministers like Lutfo. Those people with a clear leadership will deliver this country,” he said.