Some Members of the Legislature have vowed to hold government accountable, insisting that the Nkwe spirit must apply in resolving issues raised by His Majesty King Mswati III during the 2026 Speech from the Throne.
The legislators were reacting after the King officially opened the Third Session of the 12th Parliament on Friday. They said they were alert during the address and, as elected representatives of the people, their mandate was to hold Cabinet accountable — with no excuses entertained.
According to Section 69 of the Constitution of Eswatini (2005), Cabinet is collectively responsible to Parliament for advice given to the King and for all actions undertaken by ministers in the execution of their duties.
House of Assembly Speaker Jabulani Mabuza said legislators represented the nation and were elected to raise issues on behalf of citizens in Parliament.
He said Parliament had been tasked with safeguarding the welfare of the nation and would hold the Executive accountable, particularly during the budget process.
“As Parliament, we want to assure the nation that we will work with them in making sure their welfare is taken care of. We will have robust debates and ensure that the budget reflects what the King directed in the Speech from the Throne,” he said.
Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini said the King’s firm directive on healthcare struck a chord with legislators.
He noted that His Majesty had insisted that drug shortages in public facilities must end immediately and that patients should not suffer due to unavailable medication.
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“As MPs, we fully support this and will hold government accountable to sort out supply chains, improve budgeting and ensure every clinic and hospital is stocked. A healthy population is the foundation of productivity,” he said.
Manzini North MP Sifiso Nhlengetfwa said MPs would hold Cabinet accountable regardless of personal relationships.
“The King was disappointed that funds released to address issues such as foot-and-mouth disease have not yielded results. We represent the nation and must ensure accountability,” he said.
He also referenced concerns over incomplete road projects, including a 500-kilometre construction programme where funds were reportedly diverted.
“There are allocations we will oppose if we do not understand their purpose. We cannot allow poor service delivery while the nation blames MPs,” he said.
Deputy Speaker Madala Mhlanga described the address as decisive.
“The Lion has roared,” he said, adding that the speech provided clear direction to both Parliament and the Executive.
He said the King expected immediate solutions to drug shortages and had outlined targets for the next 40 years aimed at improving livelihoods.
Motshane MP Wilton Nkambule said MPs would not rest until the nation’s standard of living improved, while Madlangempisi MP Allen Vilane stressed the importance of economic stability, international trade and maintaining positive global financial rankings.
Vilane said the King had declared that unemployment must be reduced significantly as part of the country’s long-term development vision.
Mhlume MP Sifiso Magagula said legislators would prioritise healthcare accountability and youth employment.
“If borrowing from youth funds can be made easier, it will benefit the nation. We assure the King that we will work with him to ensure medication is available in hospitals,” he said.
Phondo MP Bonginkhosi Dube said Cabinet would be required to account for its actions, particularly as Parliament prepares to pass the national budget.
“They will have to account for what they have done,” he said.
No Excuses or Endless Meetings – MPs
Lubombo Regional MP Futhi Ngcamphalala said the King’s direction required urgent implementation, not endless meetings.
She said responsibility now lay with those tasked with execution and that the nation expected visible and measurable results.
“The directive is clear. Drug shortages must stop immediately. Hospitals must establish reliable supply chains and long-term procurement strategies,” she said.
Ngcamphalala added that filling vacant posts in healthcare — including doctors, nurses, pharmacists and laboratory technicians — was critical.
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“A healthy nation is a productive nation. Service delivery in health must reflect this priority.”
Hhohho Regional MP Zanele Magagula described the speech as a policy framework that would shape legislation, budget allocations and reforms.
She said the King’s words “akuphele nya” underscored the urgency of improved service delivery.
“It now falls on us as parliamentarians to unpack this policy through action. The nation expects implementation,” she said.
