You certainly want to have a man like Prince Simelane, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, in your corner when the going gets tough.
I can guarantee you, if that man likes you, he will sing your praises from dusk till dawn without any shame or anyone stopping him. And the beauty of it? You do not have to pay him a cent. If he likes you, he just does and your life will be easier.
I first noticed the minister’s praise-singing qualities during the Ascension Day services on May 29 at the Nhlangano Royal Residence. The minister had been commanded by the King to represent him and he did a very good job of it, spreading the gospel as directed.
However, the Prince added that he also had a personal message for the National Commissioner of Police, Manoma Vusi Masango. This was during the tragic period of child kidnappings and killings.
Prince Simelane spoke for a good four minutes, heaping praise after praise on the NatCom. He described him as a humble man who left the comfort of his office to join junior officers in search efforts, like during the tragic case of murdered minor Tifezile.
According to the Prince, the NatCom was a great man because he mingled with officers no matter how junior and got his hands dirty, literally. He went on to cite examples like the dagga field raids, where Masango not only showed up but also helped uproot the plants, not just commanding with a stick from a distance.
He said Masango’s appointment was truly God-sent for Eswatini and wished him well in carrying out his duties.
Prince Simelane emphasized that his admiration was not based on any favours or bribes, but simply on his genuine awe of a hardworking, down-to-earth man who didn’t just sit in an office.
Now, I’ve never met the NatCom, so I can’t speak on what kind of person he is, but until then, I’ll go with Prince Simelane’s glowing review.
Round Two: Judge Mumcy Dlamini
Then again, just last Friday, the minister was at it once more, this time heaping praises on High Court Judge Mumcy Dlamini.
This occurred during the release of Law Society President Mangaliso Magagula from Sidvwashini Correctional Services, where he had spent over a week after being found guilty of contempt of court by High Court Judge Titus Mlangeni.
I’m not even going to try to understand why the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs was personally involved in the matter, but he was.
Referring to Judge Mumcy, the Minister described her as a Messiah sent by God. According to reports, he repeatedly said God had sent her to release the LSE president.
The fact that he personally went to the correctional facility raises more questions than answers. Can I expect the same visitation should I, for some reason, find myself in contempt of court or charged with anything else?
“Malangeni, we thank you for coming in numbers to welcome the hero. We are here. We thank God because we were confused as to what to do. We thank God. God answers prayers,” the minister was quoted saying.
Like a proper church sermon, he added, “God sent Moses. Utfumele Judge Mumcy.”
He even went further: “He sent Mumcy Inkhosikati yale Nkhaba,” referring to the judge’s matrimonial home.
Confusion and Curiosity
I really am confused about all this and not sure what the minister’s presence and sentiments meant.
It’s probably a good thing I dropped law after studying it for four years, because right now, I can’t make heads or tails of what’s happening.
Does this mean Judge Mlangeni was offside in his ruling? And what does this mean for his future rulings?
The law is truly a tricky thing, especially when the Minister of Justice is seen at the forefront of matters like these.
What happens to the independence of the Judiciary?
Anyway, I’m just glad Magagula is out, especially because I wouldn’t wish incarceration on even my worst enemy (not that I have any), particularly in these cold winter days.
Moral of the Story?
My point is: clearly, we all need to try and stay on the right side of Prince Simelane.
Because geez, the man will sing your praises, whether rightly or wrongly and his personality definitely has a following.
I still remember how he taught us to sing the King’s 57th birthday song.
Very unique character, that man.
As I sign out, I hope you had a great Father’s Day and remember to always be kind…
Just like the Prince. Lol.
