Africa-Press – Eswatini. As the Second Session of the 12th Parliament draws to a close, House of Assembly Speaker Jabulani Mabuza has described 2025 as a successful and productive year for Parliament, marked by legislative progress and increased engagement with the public.
Mabuza made the remarks during a meeting between Members of Parliament (MPs) and residents of Mangcongco Inkhundla this past weekend, as part of Parliament’s ongoing outreach initiative aimed at taking governance closer to the people. He noted that the objectives set for the year had largely been achieved.
“The expectations placed on Members of Parliament this year were met,” Mabuza said. “Motions were moved, legislation was enacted and ministers were questioned on issues affecting the nation. This reflects a Parliament that is actively executing its mandate.”
He also expressed appreciation for the cooperation between Parliament and the Cabinet, acknowledging that while disagreements inevitably arose during the course of work, lawmakers and ministers were able to manage their differences constructively.
“At times the work was not easy, but what mattered most was how we handled our challenges,” he said. “In the end, we were able to work together because we are all serving the interests of the nation.”
The Speaker informed residents that Parliament has since gone into recess as the year comes to an end. He explained that parliamentary business will resume in 2026 after His Majesty King Mswati III formally opens the Third Session of the 12th Parliament, in line with established tradition.
The Mangcongco visit coincided with a similar outreach exercise by senators, who were engaging residents of Nkamanzi during the same weekend. Both initiatives form part of a broader effort by Parliament to strengthen public participation and accountability.
Speaking during the Nkamanzi engagement, Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini said the outreach programme was inspired by the directive of Their Majesties, who have consistently emphasised the importance of bringing governance closer to the people. She said such engagements are essential in accelerating national development by ensuring that the voices of ordinary citizens are heard and taken into account during law-making.
Addressing Nkamanzi Chief Prince Gija, Dlamini explained that the visit was motivated by the aspirations expressed by the nation during Sibaya: The People’s Parliament in 2023. “We are here to lend a helping hand in developing the nation, guided by what the people themselves raised at Sibaya,” she said.
She further reminded residents that His Majesty King Mswati III tasked all lawmakers with the responsibility of taking Parliament to the people when he officially opened the Second Session of the 12th Parliament in February 2025. Dlamini noted that every five years, Emaswati play a critical role in shaping the Legislature by electing Members of Parliament entrusted with enacting laws to improve the welfare of the nation.
In this spirit, she said, senators chose to visit communities not merely to address residents, but to listen to their concerns and suggestions. The goal, she explained, was to better understand what more legislators could do to support development and improve livelihoods.
Dlamini also outlined the legislative process, explaining that Bills are debated by both the House of Assembly and the Senate before becoming law. These Bills only become Acts of Parliament after receiving Royal Assent from His Majesty the King. While public participation is provided for during this process, she expressed concern that turnout has often been low, prompting Parliament, together with Speaker Mabuza, to take the initiative directly to the people.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
