All eyes on Cleopas
I Tis a good thing that Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini knows that the public expects a lot from him as the new government leader and that the position he assumed a week ago is not a popularity contest.
It is also impressive that he already has a to- do list, with the full knowledge of what the nation hopes his priorities should be. He also knows that he risks becoming unpopular if he does not meet our expectations but will endeavour to do what is best for the country.
Much like his predecessor Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini, new PM comes in at a very critical time in the socio- political history of Eswatini.
The only difference is that Mandvulo faced health and economic challenges, having been appointed into this position shortly before a global pandemic emerged. The late Mandvulo had acquitted himself well, even though he was practically a novice in politics when he was appointed.
He was rapidly learning the ropes and even though he died only two years into his term, his legacy will live on. His approach towards the COVID- 19 pandemic had been impressive.
Naturally, there were blunders and controversial decisions here and there but all in all, his commitment to serving all emaSwati could not be doubted.
Cleopas, on the other hand, comes in at a time when the country faces three major challenges - economic, health and political. The coronavirus that confronted his predecessor is still very much among us. In fact, Eswatini is already riding the painful third wave, with experts predicting even more waves after this one.
The virus shows no signs of relenting and decisions Cabinet makes will determine if emaSwati survive or perish. Countries like France are already gearing for the fourth wave, a situation that was never anticipated when the virus emerged in early 2020. The second wave found the kingdom wanting, with government not having done enough to protect emaSwati. Various super- spreader events were allowed and compliance among rebellious citizens was not properly enforced. The third wave is already hitting us hard. It is obvious that by the time we hit the peak, many friends and family members would have died. This is a very sad situation that any concerned leader should approach with genuine concern.
We all wait to see the changes the new PM will introduce in the fight against the virus. It cannot just be business as usual.
The current approach has not worked too well for us as a country, with infections rising every day and more people dying. Minister of Health Lizzie Nkosi seems to be a workaholic who has the best interests of the people at heart.
However, it is clear that she keeps facing one challenge after another in carrying out her mandate. One of these challenges is obviously the lack of financial support from the government she is part of. There are still questions regarding the E200 million that was allocated for the procurement of COVID- 19 vaccines.
This amount has always been controversial because it was first declared as available in December last year, yet only included in the national budget t wo months l ater – i n February when Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg delivered the 2021/ 2022 budget. Still, it was said the funds would only be accessible only from April 1, 2021 when the new financial year began.
The nation still expects clarity on the status of this allocation. Well, the economic challenges facing the kingdom are well- documented.
Going over all of them would require at least five pages. However, it is a fact that the 2018 – 2023 Cabinet has not shown any commitment to prioritising health, education and agriculture. More money still goes to security forces and narcissistic projects like a new Parliament building worth E1.6 billion.
Who needs a new and expensive building when the ideologies inside will still be the same? Anyway, PM Cleopas also faces a political challenge of unprecedented proportions. It is possible that no other prime minister in Eswatini has faced such a volatile situation.
I have heard that there was a major riot in 1977, which was apparently led by a prince but I do not want to believe there was looting and the burning of billions of Emalangeni worth of property then.
The PM does not look like a pushover. His assertion that he is not in a popularity contest should apply across the board. He should not seek to risk being unpopular with one section of Eswatini society while trying to impress another.
EmaSwati of all ages and social persuasions have expressed dissatisfaction with the way the country i s governed. They want change. If videos and comments being posted on social media platforms are anything to go by, it is no longer only the youth that demands change. Videos of elderly emaSwati criticising the country’s political leaders are coming up with disturbing regularity. Whatever happens, the PM should ensure that these calls are addressed.
Of course, as he has rightly pointed out, it will be impossible to please everyone but he should be seen to be listening and responding.
Ignoring these calls will keep the country in a perpetual state of emergency, with the army engaged to intimidate disgruntled citizens forever.
This will not be peace but silence and rest assured, the tension would most likely fester until it explodes again some other time.
The PM has been r eminded of t he powerful presentation he made at Sibaya in 2018, when he was still a candidate for the position he has now assumed. It is now his chance to walk the talk. I am also hopeful that Dlamini will also heed suggestions for a Cabinet reshuffle. Critical portfolios like Education and Labour and Social Security, need committed ministers who will not sit back and watch life happening around them.
For now, the Ministry of Health is in good hands, despite the challenges. In a trending video, Nkilongo MP Timothy Myeni says the nation should not expect much from PM Cleopas because he will be like his predecessors, who had no authority to take decisions. Will Dlamini prove him wrong?
I will not judge you just yet Cleopas, I will wait for that invitation when you will finally avail yourself for a one on one.