Mbabane: Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini did not show up at Parliament to address Members of the Parliament who were seeking him so to move a motion on lifting the one (1) month extension on the alcohol selling and distribution ban.
The motion without notice was moved by Endzingeni Member of Parliament Lutfo Dlamini who was seconded by Mhlume MP Victor Malambe. The motion was moved with the purpose that His Excellency the Prime Minister should consider rescinding or setting aside the one (1) month extension of the ban on the alcohol industry within forty eight (48) hours of passing the motion.
MP Lutfo Dlamini upon taking the podium asked if he could proceed with the motion as the PM was not seen while the motion was to be moved to him. Speaker Petros Mavimbela told the MPs that the Premier will not make it to the Parliament due to other commitments which did not sit well with the House as they believed that as the motion was said to be a motion without notice he was supposed to be available as it indicates to be an urgent issue to be dealt with.
Speaker Mavimbela insisted to the MPs that the Prime Minister will not make it and the business of the Parliament should proceed. The Members of the Parliament asked the Speaker to find the PM on call and ask him to come to the house while they proceeded with other motions and business of the day so by the time the finish the other motions the PM be available in the house.
Mavimbela told the MPs that the motion could be moved to some other day, there is no problem. “Kute lokonakele malunga” said Mavimbela. This can be loosely translated as to “There nothing wrong MPs” This did not sit well with the MPs as most who objected said this issue on the alcohol ban is a hot issue as the MPs were in one accord saying the issue is like wildfire hence needs immediate attention. MP Macford Sibandze said the issue is very important as a lot of people have lost their jobs, there is so much hunger outside and many more outcry resulted from the ban of alcohol distribution.
Hosea MP Mduduzi Mabuza asked that the house shall continue with its duties while the Speaker make means of finding him. Upon finishing two more other motions the Prime Minister was still not around hence Speaker to it upon himself to tell the MPs that the Premier will not make it and as the Speaker he shall be listened on that.
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