Church must guard integrity – PM

PRIME Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has urged the church to uphold integrity.

He warned that the Body of Christ was being quickly tainted by immoral church leaders, some of whom have turned into ‘demi-gods,’ teaching false doctrines and leading God’s flock astray.

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He said this at Mpolonjeni Royal Kraal’s end-of-year service in Mbabane yesterday. He was represented by Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane.

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Dlamini pleaded with the clergy and all Christians to restore the dignity of the church, stating that the world already looks to the church as a steward of morality and an agent of change. He said despite this expectation, the church was being negatively affected by immoral leaders who had turned into demi-gods and were misleading believers.

“Church of God, the Lord has no one else to trust but us. Let us live the Gospel. Let us be true ambassadors of the Christ we claim to serve.
I truly believe, as a church, we can turn around the social ills taking place in the country, not just through prayer, but by living exemplary lives that are worthy of those who are called according to His purpose,” he said.

Dlamini added that corruption remained another major national concern, having woven itself into the very fabric of society. He said government had adopted a zero-tolerance stance on corruption and invited the church to be at the forefront of the fight.

“Let us all frown upon any evil plan to destabilise the country and its people. Let us report suspected corruption cases,” he said.

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He quoted Ecclesiastes 9:11, which states that ‘I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favour to the learned, but time and chance happen to them all.’

He encouraged congregants and residents to seize every opportunity to do good and to do it well.

Dlamini also referenced Psalm 33:12, reminding the nation that: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”

The PM encouraged the nation, echoing the theme derived from a similar service held at Mandvulo Grand Hall the previous weekend, describing it as a powerful reminder of God’s enduring presence in their lives. He urged attendees to remember God’s faithfulness and return to Him with humble hearts.

He also said it was a blessing to be born in a country like Eswatini, where leaders boldly proclaim Christ as Lord and Saviour.

Dlamini said as they celebrated the progress and development of the Mpolonjeni community, they recognised that every good gift and accomplishment came from the Lord, as stated in James 1:17.

He said government celebrated every milestone as it aligned with His Majesty’s vision for a developed Eswatini.

He said this vision was articulated in the National Development Plan 2024/28, the Nkwe Programme of Action 2024/29, and the Grand Plan for National Transformation. All three frameworks, he said, seek to empower every local from community to national level to live a decent life and access quality healthcare and education.

“We are also reminded of the power of unity, compassion and service. We have seen God’s presence in the midst of our struggles and triumphs, and we have witnessed the impact of collective effort and community spirit through Mpolonjeni,” he said.

He urged residents and the church to continue praying for and supporting initiatives that uplift the community and promote education, healthcare and economic empowerment. He said they should be guided by principles of love, kindness and justice.

“The development at Mpolonjeni is evident through the new hall, the probase road and the water supply project still in progress. As we strive to build a better future, let us not forget the values that truly matter: faith, hope and love (1 Corinthians 13:13). May our community be a beacon of hope and light in the world, shining brightly for all to see,” he said.

Hhohho Regional Administrator Princess Tsandzile said the initiative by Mpolonjeni Umphakatsi was commendable and aligned with values upheld by Their Majesties.

She said it was important to appreciate God for keeping the nation safe.

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