IT was business as usual for Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini and Minister of Information, Communication and Technology Savannah Maziya yesterday as they appeared before the Senate.
They were the only Cabinet ministers who had business during the first Senate sitting following the official opening of the Third Session of the 12th Parliament by His Majesty King Mswati III last Friday.
Although they exchanged pleasantries with other ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, Minister of Public Works and Transport Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu, the two notably did not exchange pleasantries with each other.
As per the Senate Order Paper, Maziya moved that the Senate invoke Standing Order 220 to suspend Standing Order 124 so that the Senate could proceed with the Critical Infrastructure Protection Bill, Bill No. 16 of 2025, at the stage it had reached during the preceding session.
In turn, the senators passed the motion.
After concluding her business, she left the chamber while the premier remained to proceed with his.
Dlamini moved that a humble address be presented to His Majesty King Mswati III, thanking him for the speech he delivered during the Parliament opening.
As senators expressed appreciation to the king for the speech, they touched on the issue of agape love, which was raised by His Majesty during the beginning of the year prayer service and opening of Parliament.
They stated that this love had to be unconditional and that there should be no pretence when one practises agape love.
Senator Dr Linda Nxumalo began by appreciating the king for the clear direction he had given legislators and thanked God for preserving peace in the country.
She said the king’s emphasis on agape love meant unconditional love, urging senators to avoid political divisions and instead speak truthfully and advise one another.
Nxumalo explained that agape love was about selflessness, noting that corruption was undermining it. She reminded senators that the king had directed leaders to serve without selfishness or personal gain, describing this as a royal command.
She stressed that leaders should stop wrongdoing and act with respect, recognising the king’s authority. Agape love, she added, was sacrificial and not about seeking applause. If leaders repented, the nation would benefit.
Nxumalo further said families should also practise agape love, as selfishness and declining morals were fuelling social ills affecting the younger generation.
On that note, Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla said throughout his 40-year reign, the king had shown the country love that was not discriminatory.
She said the king had demonstrated love that involved commitment, which he described as agape love. She said this was love that did not discriminate against persons with disabilities, as they all belonged to the king.
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Senator Prince Ngangabani said each year the king’s speech provided direction. He said as the king marked 40 years on the throne, the country had developed.
He added that the nation should recognise that the king loves and thinks about everyone. He said the king urged the nation to love one another unconditionally, as he had loved it.
Senator Celumusa Mndvoti said agape love was unconditional. He said the king spoke about agape love because he lived by it.
He said at every event, no one returned home without receiving gifts, which was a sign that His Majesty loved his people. He added that the king was also forgiving, noting that there were people in correctional facilities who had been pardoned, as well as former presidents who had been forced out of their countries and sought refuge from His Majesty.
Senator Isaac Magagula said the king had also condemned violence within families. He said His Majesty had questioned where such violence was coming from, adding that because neighbours were not paying attention to what was happening in one another’s homes, gender-based violence (GBV) cases were alarming.
He said the king had advised that everyone be their brother’s keeper.
Senate Deputy President Ndumiso Mdluli said the king had shown them the way. He said peace was the backbone of the country as it had made Eswatini visible globally and recognised in many forums.
He said this was a sign that the Tinkhundla system of governance was indeed working. He added that the king had asked that Parliament be taken to the people, noting that this was already being done, with communities across Eswatini and Africa observing parliamentary proceedings.
