Mbabane – The Minister of Labour and Social Security, Phila Buthelezi, has appointed a new board for the Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration Commission (CMAC), which will serve for a period not exceeding three years.
Announcing the appointment, the minister began by thanking the outgoing board for its dedication and achievements during its term. He noted that the previous board had faced a mammoth task in restoring confidence of the commission.
“There was once a negative perception about CMAC, but through the hard work of the board and management, the outlook has now become positive,” Buthelezi said.
The newly appointed board is chaired by Mzwandile Dlamini (returning), with Nokwazi Mathabela serving as vice chairperson. Other members include Bongani Mtshali from Business Eswatini, Thulisile Dladla-Dlamini, Mashumi Shongwe representing FESWATU, Armstrong Dlamini from the Ministry of Finance, Nomphumelelo Dlamini, the Under Secretary in the Ministry of Labour, Mjuluko Dlamini, Sikelela Dlamini representing TUCOSWA, and Lomkhosi Magagula, the CMAC Executive Director.
Buthelezi urged the new board to continue building on the foundation laid by its predecessors and to focus on ensuring that emaSwati receive timely access to justice. He emphasised the importance of addressing the challenges that continue to face the commission, particularly the delivery of judgments without unnecessary delays.
He charged the board to “run with the programmes already in motion” and to ensure that the strategic plan currently before them is fully implemented within their first year in office. The minister highlighted CMAC’s instrumental role in facilitating negotiations between employers and employees and urged the board to strengthen this function.
One of the major tasks before the new board, the minister said, is to push the Industrial Relations Bill forward until it becomes an Act. While acknowledging that the process involves other key stakeholders, including Parliament, he stressed that the board has a clear mandate to drive the matter forward.
Minister Buthelezi reminded the board that CMAC serves both employers and employees, and that its service delivery must reflect fairness and impartiality. “It is on your shoulders to ensure that both parties are served without feeling prejudiced. Everyone should be satisfied with the service CMAC delivers,” he said.
He concluded by urging the board to work with integrity, honesty, and dedication, and to embrace His Majesty the King’s Nkwe Mandate as they assume their duties.
Discussion about this post