Africa-Press – Eswatini. The House of Assembly elected five Members of Parliament (MPs) to formally convey its gratitude to Mswati III for delivering what legislators described as a balanced, forward-looking and compassionate Speech from the Throne.
The election took place during the first sitting of the House for 2026, marking the formal start of parliamentary business for the year following the State Opening of the Third Session of the 12th Parliament.
The MPs elected are as follows:
Futhie Ngcamphalala (Lubombo Region)
Prince Mshengu
Bonginkhosi Dube (Phondo)
Nokuthula Dlamini (Maseyisini)
Dr Bonginkhosi Dlamini (Mhlambanyatsi)
A Solemn but Hopeful Opening
Proceedings began at approximately 2:30pm, with Speaker Jabulani Mabuza entering a moderately filled chamber. The atmosphere was calm and expectant, characteristic of the first sitting of a new parliamentary year.
After taking his seat, the Speaker opened the session with prayer, asking for divine guidance in the work of the House. He then welcomed MPs back from recess, noting that although Parliament had been on holiday, members had continued serving their constituencies.
In his remarks, he shared 3 John 1:2, which states: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” He said this was his wish for all legislators in 2026.
He also cited 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” The Speaker reminded MPs that their work was a calling and urged them to remain committed, emphasising that their legislative duties were ultimately about serving the people who elected them.
Before moving to the main business, he outlined practical matters. He reminded MPs that the Budget Speech would be delivered on Friday and that attendance would be strictly by invitation due to limited space. He cautioned members against bringing snacks into the chamber, warning that food could attract rodents capable of damaging electronic recording equipment. He further reminded them that high-quality cameras installed in the House capture all proceedings, urging members to remain attentive and focused.
Motion to Thank the King
The central item on the Order Paper (Order Paper 1 of 2026) was a motion moved by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini. Rising to address the House, the Prime Minister formally moved that the House of Assembly thank His Majesty for the Speech from the Throne.
Speaker Mabuza directed him to first read the motion as tabled before motivating it. In motivating the motion, the Prime Minister described the King’s address as one of the most comprehensive in recent years. He noted that it reflected on the country’s 40 years of peace under His Majesty’s reign and set out ambitious development goals.
He said the King’s call for unity, economic growth and accelerated development required collective action. Ambition, he said, should not be constrained by budget limitations, and innovative ways of raising revenue must be explored.
Robust Debate in the Chamber
In line with Standing Order 20, the Speaker indicated that only six MPs would be allowed to debate the motion.
Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini was among the first to rise. He described the Speech from the Throne as filled with “agape love”, referencing the King’s declaration of 2026 as the year of agape love. He said the address demonstrated genuine care for the people.
He highlighted energy security, noting the King’s directive that the Eswatini Electricity Company should engage Government to ensure electricity becomes affordable. He pointed out that the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority was not specifically mentioned, interpreting this as a clear signal that tariffs should not increase.
He also raised concerns about high data costs, the state of the Parliament building – after the King expressed disappointment – and the need to examine the feasibility of extending free education to high school level.
Mtsambama MP Sibongile Mamba echoed the theme of love and unity. She welcomed road infrastructure projects, especially in Shiselweni, saying these would boost tourism and local businesses. She called for value addition in mining, improvements in agriculture amid climate change challenges and strengthened vocational education.
MP Prince Mshengu thanked the Speaker for guiding the debate and said legislators serve as a bridge between the King and the people. The true way of thanking His Majesty, he said, was through diligent implementation of the priorities outlined in the speech.
Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane described the address as powerful and development-focused, touching on energy, fuel and basic needs.
Hhukwini MP Alec Lushaba welcomed the King’s stance against gender-based violence and corruption, urging that those implicated in corruption be held accountable.
Maseyisini MP Nokuthula Dlamini highlighted the King’s call to care for the elderly, improve education and address medicine shortages urgently.
Throughout the debate, Speaker Mabuza occasionally reminded members to focus their contributions on thanking the King, rather than straying into unrelated matters.
Motion Passed and MPs Elected
After debate concluded, the Prime Minister thanked contributors and urged the House to adopt the motion. It was passed without objection.
The House then proceeded to elect five MPs to form the delegation that will formally thank His Majesty.
The following members were elected:
Futhie Ngcamphalala (Lubombo Region), as nominated by Lobamba Lomdzala Marwick Khumalo and seconded by Nkhomiyahlaba MP Mduduzi Mantunta Dlamini.
Prince Mshengu, as nominated by Minister of Home Affairs Princess Lindiwe and seconded by Mtfongwaneni MP Nathie ‘Mdockies’ Hlophe.
Bonginkhosi Dube (Phondo), as nominated by Shiselweni MP Zanele Mamba and seconded by Maseyisini MP Nokuthula Dlamini.
Nokuthula Dlamini (Maseyisini), as nominated by Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thulisile Dladla and seconded by Gege MP Agrippa Magesi Dlamini
Dr Bonginkhosi Dlamini (Mhlambanyatsi), as nominated by Manzini Region MP Thandeka Mavuso and seconded by Deputy Speaker Madala Mhlanga.
Each nomination was proposed and seconded by fellow MPs and approved by the House. The MPs were reminded by the Speaker that they would be given a link where they could follow the House debates live, after Hhukwini MP Lushaba asked for such.
At about 4pm, the Prime Minister, having been given such powers by the Speaker, moved that the House should adjourn until Friday, February 27, 2026 at 10am and the House approved that.
A Symbolic and Constitutional Tradition
The election of the five MPs follows parliamentary tradition, where representatives are chosen to formally convey appreciation for the Speech from the Throne – regarded as the policy compass for government operations in the year ahead.
As the sitting drew to a close, it was evident that the tone for 2026 had been set: unity, love, accountability and accelerated development.
For those not present in the chamber, the afternoon offered a blend of solemnity, spirited debate and procedural order – a reminder of Parliament’s central role in translating royal vision into legislative action.
