Africa-Press – Eswatini. Senate-elect Celumusa Mndvoti says his major motivation in getting a seat at the upper chamber was ensuring protection of the country’s unique system of governance.
He said his interest in politics peaked during the 2021 unrest because he got to see first-hand how a misrepresentation of the system led to chaos and anarchy.
“I am a family man with five children, so I care deeply about the type of country my children will grow up in,” he said, stating that he believed that the Tinkhundla system of governance was a beauty like no other.
“It’s a very special system rooted in our culture and our being as a people, so I believe we can achieve a lot if we focus on improving it and making small tweaks here and there to make sure it works effectively,” he added. Mndvoti said it was important to protect the system by being proactive instead of reactive, which is why he believed the rejuvenation of the economy was the best way to do so.
“The main thing that’s affecting us right now is poverty and the high unemployment among our young people, so if we manage to stimulate the economy, then the youth won’t be duped into thinking they should revolt against the State,” he stated.
He disclosed that he’s a farmer with a passion for tourism and also a strong advocate for skills based education.
“Our tourism sector has a lot of potential because there’s so much Eswatini has to offer the world,” he stated.
“We are such a wonder, that we now need to market ourselves proudly and properly so people can experience the culture and traditions we treasure so dearly,” he added.
Coming to the education system, he said the current unemployment levels were proof that the country needed to adopt a new way of providing education.
“We need to do away with this education system that’s teaching our children to go and look for white-collar jobs after graduating, instead of using their skills and talents to solve problems their communities are facing while subsequently earning a living,” he explained.
When asked about the buying of Senate votes, Mndvoti said he knew nothing about such a practice, stating that he had only focused his energy on lobbying members of parliament and selling them his vision for the country.
“The only thing I sold were my ideas and dreams about the type of nation I envisage us becoming if we work hard and pass the right legislation propelling the country to greater heights,” he said, adding that the allegations were disturbing for such an esteemed position as a senator.
“I am personally here to serve the people, not my own interest, so there’s no way I would buy a seat because it would be indicative of the type of leader I will be, which is a dishonest one,” he elucidated.
Mndvoti is one of the seven new senators who shocked seasoned politicians and familiar figures to claim a seat at the 12th Parliament’s Senate.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
