Masitsela exuded political maturity - MP Marwick
Avery reasonable royal… the last of the rare kind of Eswatini politics and an unshakable Imbokodvo stalwart that won elections twice under multi-party, who never shied away from engaging on any issue and never discriminated against political opponents. A born leader.
His demise renders Eswatini politics into deeper poverty. From my youthful politics to date, I have learnt a lot from him.
Smile
Each time we were in a situation or gathering by coincidence, he would just unleash his trademark smile and venture into politics with me. Literally, isolating the two of us from whoever else was around.
On days like the American Independence Day Celebrations at the ambassador’s residence, you would see him having deep conversations with the likes of Jan Sithole, Mario Masuku, etc.
He exuded political maturity.
His singular contribution to my first election to Parliament in 1998, and my subsequent re-election in 2003 as Lobamba MP, is remarkable.
Similarly, towards the 2013 elections, as Regional Administrator for Manzini while touring some projects at Lobamba Lomdzala, he unapologetically made his feelings known to the electorate who to re-elect.
He is someone who appreciated the fact that the political system had cracks, but he remained steadfast and unflinching in his love and support for the King and country. I owe a lot to
(his regimental name) for my political capital.
At one time I asked him why Imbokodvo MPs, a few months after the 1972 National Elections, had chosen to stay at the canteen even after the bell had rung for the 2:30pm sitting of Parliament.
After I had explained to him that I was going through the 1972 Hansard in the Library and read that he had alerted the Speaker that there was no quorum, his reply was; “We were playing politics.”
Motion
In fact, a Motion had been featured on the Order Paper, calling for a vote of co confidence on the Imbokodvo Government.
The mover was the Hon. Dr. Ambrose Zwane and the seconder was Hon. Mageja Masilela. Imbokodvo had decided to stay away from the Parliament chambers just to avoid being embarrassed by the opposition, notwithstanding the fact that the Motion would not have passed anyway.
His Royal Highness Prince Masitsela’s political acumen was in a class of its own.