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By KWANELE DHLADHLA | 2024-01-04
Prime Minister, Russell Dlamini, has sternly warned FESBC that government will not hesitate to deal strongly with the federation if it continues to exhibit actions of a terrorist entity, which threatens peace and economic stability in the kingdom.
The premier said during a meeting convened with the Federation of Eswatini Business Community (FESBC) executive yesterday, he advised them to stick to their mandate and stop either meddling or interfering in political issues that were outside the ambit of the federation’s core function to avoid attracting the wrath of government.
The meeting, which he said ought to have been convened before Christmas at the instance of FESBC, had not been fast-tracked by recent statements made by the federation. These included, but not limited to the call for a probe into the operations of Inyatsi Group of Companies, Montigny and Royal Eswatini Sugar (RES) Corporation.
The organisation has also indicated that it would report the country to the International Criminal Court (ICC) if their grievances were not attended to in the manner they deem fit.
However, the Eswatini Competition Commission has stated it was not undertaking any investigation because the appropriate channels of reporting a grievance had not been followed by FESBC when reporting the grievances, which were widely publicised, particularly on social media platforms.
The actions of FESBC were condemned by both Montigny and Inyatsi. The latter has also approached the court for redress and it has filed a claim for E200 million for damages emanating from the accusations.
The prime minister stated in no uncertain terms that continuous action, which would be seen to not only threaten other businesses but also instigates violence would be dealt with decisively.
He went on to disclose that during his meeting with FESBC, he told them to come out clear on what their mandate actually was in order for government to also take decisive action against them.
“FESBC must focus on empowering indigenous SMEs and stop fighting with other businesses. The strategy being implemented by the federation is wrong and creates anxiety in the kingdom, hence it will not be tolerated against all odds,” Dlamini emphasised after the meeting with FESBC at Cabinet offices.
He disclosed that he had been joined by Deputy Prime Minister, Thuli Dladla, when he met the FESBC executives, who were led by President Tum du Pont. Other FESBC members present included Mavela Sigwane, Jeffrey Tshabalala and Mzwandile Dlamini.
The premier went on to state that they would heed the call made during Sibaya for government not to sit back and not act until the violent situation spirals out of control.
“We will not allow the federation to cause violence when there is no need,” the PM enunciated.
He mentioned that it had been agreed with FESBC executive that they would use appropriate structures to address any grievance they might have.
In a statement that was issued after the interview, Dlamini also said government had taken note of what appeared to be a campaign by the leadership of FESBC to bring discord and confusion within the business community.
He reiterated that FESBC was advised to focus on their business objectives, which were basically to empower local businesses.
Dlamini said FESBC was strongly advised to desist from confrontation with other businesses but to seek peaceful redress through relevant institutions and following laid down procedure.
disassociate
“The business federation was sternly warned to disassociate itself from violent proscribed institutions. Government made it clear to FESBC that elements that potentially threaten investors, peace, and destabilise the country and negatively impact on the economy will not be tolerated. Government is ready and prepared to take stern measures,” said Dlamini.
The premier mentioned that FESBC agreed that they would work with government and allayed any fears that they were part of proscribed entities.
“I would like to urge the nation, on behalf of His Majesty’s Government, to continue to stand up and fight against any elements that seek to disturb the country’s hard-earned peace and stability,” added Dlamini.
We’ll keep a close eye on FESBC - PM
The prime minister has promised to keep a close eye on operations of FESBC with a view to ensure that the organisation sticks to its core mandate of safeguarding the interests of indigenous businesses.
The Prime Minister, Russell Dlamini, said following the advice shared during their meeting at Cabinet offices yesterday, they would monitor operations of the federation to check whether they continue with what he described as similar to a terrorist organisation.
“We will monitor FESBC and act decisively in any elements that threatens economy stability and peace in the kingdom,” said Dlamini.
Govt warns against
tarnishing of King’s name
Government has cautioned individuals and human rights organisations to desist from malicious campaigns to tarnish the name and reputation of His Majesty the King by making false and unfounded allegations that the king was involved in the killing of human rights lawyer, Thulani Maseko.
Prime Minister, Russell Dlamini, said government had noted the ongoing slander against His Majesty King Mswati III by certain individuals and human rights organisations who had continued to make unfounded allegations that His Majesty was involved in the killing of Maseko. The lawyer was gunned down in execution style in full view of his wife and children on January 21, 2023 through the window at his home in Ka-Luhleko, Bhunya.
“Government also notes with disappointment the glaring disparity and selective advocacy for human rights,” said Dlamini. The premier said when Chief Mahloma was brutally murdered by the so-called ‘solidarity forces’ in November 2022, no one among international organisations and human rights advocates advocated for the chief or even condemned his killing.
Likewise, he said the police, who were at work manning traffic and two warders were killed with no condemnation of this barbaric act of killing innocent lives by international and human rights organisations.
“We, therefore, take exceptional view to commentary by these biased so-called human rights watchers. Decisive action will be taken against these people and the relevant institutions shall be approached in order for this matter to be addressed once and for all,” added Dlamini.
Govt working on permanent solution to health crisis - PM
Prime Minister Russell Dlamini has disclosed that government has strong intentions to permanently address the health crisis which has seen an acute shortage of drugs and personnel in health facilities across the country.
Dlamini said the delivery of medication in the health facilities was a result of the interventions that were being implemented by government to ensure that Emaswati permanently have access to quality healthcare.
The PM recently unveiled eight strategies to be implemented by a Cabinet sub-committee headed by Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo. Among these strategies was immediate hiring of personnel at health institutions and payment of suppliers with intent to speed up delievery of drugs.
Dlamini explained that they had uncovered that the main problem which led to the health crisis was the lack of funds.
“The main cause of the challenge we face on the shortage of drugs is the lack of funds which then makes payments to be late which then has an effect on our suppliers therefore leading to a delay in delivery.
However, we are working on a permanent solution to this,” Dlamini promised.
He mentioned that another major challenge was the procurement system. He explained that the procurement system was structured in such a way that payments would be made when an order has been completed instead of every invoice of drugs delivered.
promised
Dlamini promised that this would be changed to allow for vendors to be more efficient in their supply patterns.
The premier also stated that they had already made payments to suppliers after securing funds and hoped the situation would normalise as they rollout more strategies aimed at permanently ending the health crisis.
He stated that the concern over delayed payments was not a challenge only within government as it also been raised FESBC who sought government’s intervention for payments that were delayed, especially by the large businesses.
“The delay in payments is being addressed,” the PM assured.
The PM further disclosed that a full report on how the health crisis was being addressed would be presented in Cabinet today.
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