Africa-Press – Eswatini. Princess Sikhanyiso has landed a new post.
The former Minister of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), has been employed by the King’s Office as an economic affairs directorate. In short, she is the new director of economic affairs. The former MP and ICT minister replaces Prince Lindani, who is now a member of Parliament. The post of director of economic affairs is reportedly a senior position at the King’s Office. It must be said though that the non-appointment of the princess to either of the Chambers of Parliament raised speculation that she would be posted to foreign mission to be an ambassador or high commissioner. Other people thought His Majesty would appoint her to emabandla (royal councils). She had previously served as a member of Liqoqo from 2013 to 2018.
advisory
Liqoqo is an advisory council to His Majesty the King and Ingwenyama. Asked whether it was true that the princess has assumed the position of director of economic affairs, Percy Simelane, the Director of Communications at the King’s Office, said she was already on duty. “It’s not a new post,” Simelane said. The director of communications explained that the office of economic affairs directorate was vacant since the princess’s predecessor was assigned another responsibility towards the end of last year.
responsibilities
Further asked about her duties and responsibilies, Simelane said he would not be sure of her ‘take-on date’, but without having to list salient variables of the responsibilities of the economic affairs directorate, he could elect to summarise them as ensuring sustained stability of the institution’s economic pillar. The Times SUNDAY has not yet established the salaries for the directors of the King’s Office. However, an impeccable source said they received very good salaries. For instance, he said, directors were paid better than ministers in terms of basic salaries. A minister’s basic salary is E72 398.58. The King’s Office has its finance wing known as the Eswatini National Treasury. The Eswatini National Treasury administers the national courts and advisory committees. On the other hand, the King’s Office works closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in fostering good relations with accredited countries.
credence
It receives foreign envoys when they submit letters of credence to the King. Cabinet is expected to meet the King on a weekly basis. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the King’s Office to monitor government programmes in order to advise the head of State appropriately. It manages the King’s diary. It is also expected to follow global trends in diverse spheres in order to advise the King. The head of the King’s Office is Chief Mgwagwa Gamedze, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
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