Hhohho Regional MP confirms there’s cabal in Parly

There was drama in the House of Assembly of Eswatini when Zanele Magagula confirmed observations previously made by Russell Mmiso Dlamini that there was a cabal operating within Parliament.

While debating the Prime Minister’s Office annual report for the 2025/2026 financial year, the Hhohho Regional Member of Parliament recalled that the Prime Minister had earlier stated that a cabal existed in Parliament.

Magagula said she wanted to testify that there was indeed a cabal in the legislature and that she could not hide it.

She added that those who were shocked by her statement could approach her privately so that she could explain why she believed there was a cabal in Parliament.

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The MP said what was happening in the House was not justice because some members were failing to stand for the truth.

“The MP has said something that is pathetic because there are some Koreans who may have to go home as there are people who are united to make things work against them. If these people meet to make things work against them, it surely works,” she said.

She added that it was important for legislators to speak the truth before the current parliamentary term ends in 2028.

Magagula said emaSwati had placed trust and faith in them as elected representatives, but their behaviour was failing the nation.

“This behaviour is stripping us of our integrity,” she said, adding that some legislators were compromising themselves and behaving as if they were not receiving salaries for their work.

She also questioned why MPs were destroying the country when King Mswati III had mandated them through the Nkwe Programme of Action to promote agape love.

“We are instead strengthening the pillars of the cabals,” she said.

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Magagula further stated that there were many things happening within Parliament that members were aware of.

She added that some MPs were victims of the alleged cabal and could not remain silent about it.

“There is a lot that is happening under this Parliament, Prime Minister. Let us be honest and accountable for what we are doing by taking principled decisions that are visible to the nation. We are here to serve emaSwati diligently. I am sorry and please forgive me for saying this,” she said.

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Madala Mhlanga described the allegations as serious.

He said since the MP had been given the platform, she should openly state who was involved in the alleged cabal.

“We might wake up the following day to headlines stating that there was a cabal in Parliament,” he said.

Mhlanga emphasised that the MP should provide factual details rather than make claims she might not be able to support later.

“This is very serious and I do not want to be counted among people alleged to be part of a cabal in Parliament,” he said.

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Sabelo Ndlangamandla said the MP knew the individuals she was referring to and distanced himself from being part of any such group.

Meanwhile, Bonginkhosi Dube suggested that the House should continue with the debate and discuss the cabal allegations at a later stage.

“I want to applaud the MP for her bravery. This bravery needs to be encouraged and it is commendable,” he said.

However, Dube also noted that it would be inappropriate for the MP to simply make allegations without naming those involved.

He suggested that if names were provided, a select committee could be formed to verify the claims.

Dube added that naming individuals would not automatically mean they were part of a cabal but said the matter deserved further examination.

Meanwhile, committee chairperson Nathi Hlophe advised MPs that if they wanted the matter formally addressed, they should move a motion in Parliament.

He said once such a motion was submitted, the MP would then be required to respond accordingly.

Additional Context

The term “cabal” in political discourse often refers to a small group of individuals who allegedly operate behind the scenes to influence decisions or power structures within an institution.