Africa-Press – Eswatini. The first day of business did not start on a good note for parliamentarians who were irked by the absence of Cabinet ministers yesterday.
Only seven Cabinet ministers were present during the first sitting and they included the Prime Minister, Russell Dlamini, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Prince Simelane and Minister of Housing and Urban development Apollo Maphalala.
Others
Others were the Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg, Minister of Economic Planning and Development Dr Tambo Gina and the Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development, Sikhumbuzo Dlamini.
Deputy Speaker Madala Mhlanga wanted clarification on why the seats of the Executive were empty.
“As we know, you don’t call the House without business from the Executive,” he said. Likewise, the Speaker Jabulani Mabuza said it was up to the prime minister to deal with this and explained that Parliament business took priority and ministers were expected to attend.
“The question is that the MPs came here for the minister’s business, why are they here when ministers are absent?” he said.
Mabuza further requested the prime minister to speak with the ministers and ensure that they attend Parliament, saying during the next sitting, he would read the names of those who asked to be excused.
“Only two ministers asked to be excused, but others did not say anything.
Parliament business is important, when the House is called, it is not only MPs who should come but ministers as well,” Mabuza said.
The premier apologised on behalf of the absent ministers.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
