WITH preparations for the Ruby Jubilee celebrations scheduled for next week gaining momentum, House of Assembly Speaker Jabulani Mabuza has praised His Majesty King Mswati III.
Speaking during the opening of the stakeholder meeting on advancing collaborative governance in HIV and TB response, organised by the National Tuberculosis Programme, held at Happy Valley Hotel yesterday with the Parliamentary TB Sessional Committee, Mabuza said the king stands as the singular bearer and expositor of the national interest, providing clarity and direction for the nation.
He said in the kingdom, national interest finds its highest expression in the institution of the monarchy.
Mabuza added that in instances where doubt may arise, the king stands as the singular bearer and expositor of national interest, providing clarity and direction for the nation.
He said, in practical terms, this calls for discipline in decision-making, integrity in the management of resources and a shared commitment to outcomes that benefit the nation as a whole.
He said this requires stakeholders to move beyond isolated efforts and embrace a unified approach that places the public at the centre.
He said the engagement reflects a timely and necessary convergence of leadership, expertise and commitment in addressing the dual burden of HIV and tuberculosis.
He said the theme, ‘Advancing Collaborative Governance in the HIV and TB response: building Stronger Partnerships,’ calls for the deliberate strengthening of coordination and shared responsibility across all sectors.
Adding, the speaker said the country continues to demonstrate resolve in responding to these public health challenges. He said progress has been achieved through sustained national effort, yet the persistence of HIV and TB requires an approach that is even more integrated, responsive and accountable.
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He added that Parliament remains central to this effort. He said through its legislative mandate, it establishes the framework within which effective interventions are implemented. He said through oversight, it ensures that public resources were utilised responsibly and programmes yield measurable outcomes.
“Through its representative function, it keeps the lived realities of the country at the centre of national policy and action. The collaboration between the Parliamentary TB Caucus, the HIV and AIDS Sessional Committee and the health portfolio committee is therefore both strategic and necessary.
“A coordinated parliamentary approach enhances coherence in policy engagement, strengthens accountability and reinforces the effectiveness of oversight,” he said.
Mabuza added that at the core of collaborative governance lies a clear understanding of the national interest.
He said the national interest must stand above all other considerations, as it represents the collective well-being of the public, the sustainability of public systems and the long-term health and prosperity of the nation.
He said personal interests, while legitimate in their own right, must not supersede the broader national agenda.
He said similarly, public interests, as articulated through institutional mandates, must be harmonised to avoid fragmentation and duplication of effort.
“Where personal, institutional and sectoral priorities intersect, the national interest must provide the guiding compass.
“This meeting therefore presents an opportunity to deepen alignment, strengthen partnerships and reinforce accountability. Deliberations must remain grounded in evidence and directed towards actionable solutions that will strengthen the national response,” he said.
Mabuza said the meeting reflects a timely and necessary convergence of leadership, expertise and commitment in addressing the dual burden of HIV and tuberculosis.
He said the country continues to demonstrate resolve in responding to these public health challenges, adding that progress had been achieved through sustained national effort, but the persistence of HIV and TB requires a more integrated, responsive and accountable approach.
“Parliament remains central to this effort. Through its legislative mandate, it establishes the framework within which effective interventions are implemented.
Through oversight, it ensures that public resources are utilised responsibly and that programmes yield measurable outcomes,” he said.
