Mbabane: The late Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini will be accorded a state funeral in accordance with Finance Circular No.2 of 2013.
This announcement was made by the Deputy Prime Minister Themba Nhlanganiso Masuku during a press conference at the Cabinet offices on Monday afternoon.
During the press conference, Masuku conveyed heartfelt condolences to the nation on the passing of the Prime Minister saying: “Government is deeply saddened by the passing away of the Prime Minister and we send our deepest condolences to his family, friends and the nation at large.”
“We have lost a committed leader with an unwavering dedication to the call by His Majesty King Mswati III to reignite national economic growth and improve the lives of all EmaSwati,” Masuku added.
Masuku announced that His Majesty King Mswati III has commanded government to prepare a State Funeral for the late Premier.
Masuku further confirmed that his body was expected to arrive in the country December 14, 2020. Although it was unclear on the exact time when the body will arrive but Masuku said the whole extradition process has been done and his body was expected to arrive.
According to the circular No2. Of 2013: 4.6.6. State Funeral
A State funeral will be arranged and funded by the Government and held to honour prominent Parliamentarians who have given long and outstanding service to the Government of Eswatini.
The following Parliamentarians will be eligible for a State funeral:
- Serving Prime Minister;
- Serving Deputy Prime Minister;
- Serving Presiding Officers;
- Serving cabinet Ministers;
- Former Prime Minister;
- Former Deputy Prime Minister; and
- Anyone else the King sees fit to get a State funeral.
Masuku said in accordance with the directive, Cabinet has appointed a sub-committee to make the necessary arrangements and logistics for the funeral to be held at a date to be announced. The Committee is chaired by the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Senator Manqoba Khumalo.
The members of the committee are; Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Pholile Shakantu, Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Moses Vilakati, Reverend Nicholas Nyawo, Dr. Phil Mnisi, Pastor Sibusiso Nhleko and Prime Minister’s Office Principal Secretary Lindiwe Mbingo; who will be the secretary.
Masuku describe the late Prime Minister as one had an impressive record of leadership across several sectors of the economy ranging from the Banking sector to the Telecommunications industry before he was appointed Prime Minister in November 2018. “He was the first LiSwati to be appointed Managing Director of an international banking institution and paved the way for more EmaSwati to break the glass ceiling,” said Masuku.
PM Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini died on December 13, 2020 in a hospital in South Africa where he was being diagnosed for Covid-19.
Condolences
Masuku said as government they were humbled by the out-pouring of condolences and support from EmaSwati and the international community during this trying time.
He said however, as a COVID-19 precaution there will be no physical condolences book. “Those wishing to send messages of condolences can send their messages by email to CondolencesRHPM@gov.sz.
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