Mbabane: Matsanjeni North Member of Parliament Phila Buthelezi told the House of Assembly that the instrument used by Acting Minister of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Manqoba Khumalo is invalid because there is no specific date as to when the Princess will come back to office.
Minister Manqoba Khumalo is the Minister for Commerce, Industry and Trade, and also acting as Minister of ICT, a position which is held by Princess Sikhanyiso who is on leave.
MP Buthelezi made his submission after Speaker Petros Mavimbela read the instrument for the august house during the Parliament session on Wednesday.
While reading the instrument that was forwarded to the Speaker by Attorney General Sifiso Khumalo it was noted that the instrument only had the date of commencement only. There was no date of elapsing which is why MP Buthelezi said it is invalid. Instead of having a clear date it said until the Princess comes back to the office. The commence date was July 28, 2020.
MP Buthelezi who is also the Deputy Speaker said this kind of instrument must have an elapsing date. “How can one say until he/she comes back? What if she comes back next year or 2023?” asked Buthelezi.
Butheleza said section 72 of the constitution gives a Minister power to delegate his/her duties to another Minister for a period not exceeding six (6) months. Buthelezi said for that reason the house will continue not to entertain any work or bill from the Acting Minister until a clear instrument provided.
AG Khumalo admitted the fault in the instrument and promised to go back and rectify the issue. Khumalo said the instrument must be written well from scratch.
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