Africa-Press – Eswatini. Members of Parliament (MPs) have called for urgent intervention on pressing national concerns, including reported drug shortages and a halt to any increase in electricity tariffs.
The concerns were raised on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, during the first sitting of the House of Assembly for the 2026 parliamentary year. MPs were debating and expressing appreciation following the Speech from the Throne delivered by Mswati III during the State Opening of the Third Session of the 12th Parliament on 20 February 2026.
In his address, His Majesty indicated that the Eswatini Electricity Company should engage Government to find sustainable ways of making electricity more affordable.
Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini noted that while the King addressed the issue of electricity pricing, he did not refer to the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA). Dlamini interpreted this as a clear indication that electricity tariffs should not be increased. He said the problem was that electricity was not affordable and people were clear that they did not want electricity to be affordable. Therefore, increasing the price of electricity would be telling the people that the electricity should be unaffordable.
He also raised concerns about the implementation of Free Primary Education, pointing out that many pupils are unable to proceed to high school after Grade 7 due to the inability to afford secondary school fees. He questioned how government intends to address this gap to ensure continuity in learners’ education.
Mafutseni MP Sabelo Mtsetfwa urged Parliament and Cabinet to work together in implementing His Majesty’s directives without delay. He said government has, in some instances, demonstrated its capacity to act swiftly, citing road infrastructure developments within his constituency.
Mtsambama MP Sibongile Mamba described the King’s Speech as balanced and reflective of his concern for the welfare of the people. She commended the continued road paving projects, particularly in the Shiselweni Region, noting that improved infrastructure would stimulate tourism and support local businesses.
The MPs emphasised the need for coordinated action to address the country’s socio-economic challenges, stressing that issues such as electricity affordability, healthcare supply and education access require immediate and practical solutions.
