Mbabane: Deputy Prime Minister Themba Masuku revealed how he had an interaction with Member of Parliament Macford Sibandze who tested positive of COVID-19 in the House of Assembly as he led this cabinet team in tests for the deadly pandemic.
Masuku and cabinet ministers tested for coronavirus at cabinet offices in Hospital Hill, Mbabane this morning April 22. Ministers who were present during the tests in Eswatini TV visuals included Lady Howard (Education), Dr Tambo Gina (Economic Planning), Jabulani Mabuza (Agriculture), Thuli Dladla (Foreign Affairs) and Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe (Public Works and Transport) among others.
Sibandze, the Manzini North MP was among the seven positive coronavirus cases announced by Minister of Health Lizzie Nkosi on Tuesday, April 21, taking Eswatini records to 31.
“The case of the MP got me thinking and I remembered that I had an interaction with him (Sibandze) in the House of Assembly. I started to think of more people I met after who might have been in contact and today’s tests are a precaution,” Masuku said to journalists.
“Also as chairman of the Emergency Task Team against the pandemic, I have met a lot of people. I keep the laid down guidelines that include wearing a mask, sanitizing and so on but it is not enough hence it is essential to test,” he continued. The ministry of health has advised members of the public to wear cotton mask made of two or three layers or cloth masks at all times and not necessarily surgical masks used by doctors.
