If amending the Constitution in this country did not take forever and ever until kingdom come, I would personally lobby for its amendment.
I know it is quite an exercise to amend the Constitution, but it cannot take any longer than the amendments we always pray for in several laws because most of them are old.
If my memory serves me well, there is supposed to be a committee that looks into the amendment of several outdated laws in the country. But I would be lying if I said I have ever heard of any work or proposals that have come from it.
Back to why I would call for an amendment of the Constitution now — I was moved by His Majesty King Mswati’s early remarks at the State Opening of Parliament last Friday.
During the official opening of the Third Session of the 12th Parliament, King Mswati III asked legislators and members of the public gallery to stand and recite a prayer after him.
We were told there were 170 people present, though the numbers appeared higher.
The King reminded the nation that as the country enters 2026, it is a year of agape love — calling upon everyone to demonstrate the highest form of unconditional and sacrificial love.
He then called the gathering to rise and make the following commitment:
“Lord please grant me agape love, may I love my neighbour unconditionally, may I uphold respect and honour national interest and not self-interest at all times. May I be found pleasing and honest in serving my country in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Currently, when legislators take their first sitting in Parliament, they swear the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance — pledging faithfulness and true allegiance to the King, his heirs and successors according to the law.
And do not get me wrong — there is nothing wrong with this oath (ngoba phela nine). We all pledge allegiance to Their Majesties.
However, legislators sometimes neglect their constituents and say they are working for the King. Yet the prayer recited in the Chamber demonstrated the King’s deep love for his people and his desire to see every emaSwati live a better, more decent life.
To show he has the nation’s best interests at heart, the King reflected on the significant milestones achieved during the 40 years of his reign.
He extended appreciation to God, the ancestors, and emaSwati who have stood by him and remained united throughout four decades.
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My favourite line was when he said:
“A king is a king through his people and you have demonstrated true patriotism as we walked through various highs and lows, faced diseases and challenges and celebrated successes together.”
That reminder — that we belong — was powerful.
Which is why I hope that when legislators made that vow on Friday, it came from the bottom of their hearts to serve the people who voted them into Parliament. After all, they are the eyes and ears of the King.
It may be in constituents’ nature to complain about poor service delivery after elections. But surely MPs can now do better and hold Cabinet accountable.
As I followed proceedings on Eswatini TV and viewed photos shared on social media, I realised I did not know at least half of the MPs by name or their constituencies.
I wondered whether I was not paying enough attention — or whether, as has often been the case, some legislators simply attend sittings, sign for allowances, and never move motions or ask questions — except to join the chorus of ayes and nays.
Perhaps I am being too harsh.
But now that Parliament will have its own channel, I will make sure to follow proceedings more closely.
As I sign off, I urge legislators to daily remind themselves of the prayer they made — to serve national interests, not self-interest.
On a lighter note, when I used to cover Parliament openings, we had what were called “fashion police”. But because we now choose kindness — regardless of what one is wearing — we simply say people looked exquisite.
Still, as I looked at some of the outfits worn by ladies at the State Opening, I wondered what they will wear at even more formal events such as the garden party.
Honestly ladies, traditional attire for day events never goes wrong.
Some of your outfits were WOW!
Until next week — do not forget to be kind.
