MPs ushering in PM against Standing Orders – Marwick

LOBAMBA – The ushering of the new Prime Minister, Cleopas Dlamini, into the House of Assembly by two Members of Parliament ( MPs) was against the Standing Orders.

This was highlighted by Lobamba Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo on Wednesday. MP Khumalo was making reference to the scenario which played itself out on Monday when the PM was sworn in.

The premier was walked into the House by Maphalaleni MP Mabulala Maseko and Mhlume MP Victor Malambe before taking his oath. MP Khumalo, who is the Standing Orders Chairperson, said the swearing- in order was violated as the individual had to walk in with other officers besides the MPs.

He said it was only the Speaker who was allowed to be ushered in by other MPs.

“I did not want to highlight it on Monday because it would have been viewed as if I am against the PM’s swearing- in, but that was unprocedural,” said MP Khumalo.

The two MPs ( Maseko and Malambe) were told to go and take their seats on Monday as it was said they would ‘ photobomb’ the PM’s pictures.

In response, the Speaker, Petros Mavimbela, said in the past when he was a back bencher he used to usher in prime ministers.

Memory

However, MP Khumalo who has served for five terms, said according to his memory only Ndzingeni MP, Lutfo Dlamini, had been carried on the back for him to make his oath as minister. The Ndzingeni MP confirmed that had been the case, but only for medical reasons. “I remember it very well because I was Speaker at that time,” said MP Khumalo. Mavimbela then acknowledged that in future such a scenario would not play itself out again. MP Khumalo further reminded the MPs that House sitting started at 2: 30pm as it was evident that sittings were starting late.

On another note, the MPs were all given three 50 packs of face masks which the Speaker said were from the National Disaster Management Agency ( NDMA). The House also approved that the Council of Educators Bill, 2019 and the Eswatini Revenue Authority ( Amendment) Bill No. 4 of 2021 be taken to the various portfolio committees for deliberation. The International Bank Reconstruction and Development ( World Bank) Eswatini COVID- 19 Emergency Response Project ( Additional Financing) Loan Bill No. 6 of 2021 was also taken to the portfolio committee for consideration.