By SIBUSISO DLAMINI | 2025-03-10

Former prime minister and current Managing Director of Tibiyo TakaNgwane Dr Absalom Themba Dlamini, has expressed profound concern regarding allegations of a rift within Cabinet.

Emphasising the imperative of unity and the upholding of national interests, Dr Dlamini underscored that any internal divisions, if existent, could undermine the dignity and integrity of the nation’s governance structures.

The elder statesman addressed the allegations with a measured and thoughtful perspective, as he clarified that his remarks were not intended to assign blame, but were motivated by a deep-seated concern for the nation’s well-being.

“I want this point to be very clear as I start; I am not blaming anyone, and my words are not pointing to anyone to say they are at fault, but since this matter has even been alleged in parliament now, I am speaking as a concerned citizen of this country because we all have a huge responsibility to safeguard national interests at all times,” he said.

He put emphasis on the fact that while the veracity of the alleged divisions remains uncertain, any truth to such claims would be deeply troubling.  “If it is truthful that there is division within Cabinet, then it is truly unfortunate because we do not expect such from Cabinet as a nation. in fact, we do not expect it from anyone in leadership because leadership is serving, and serving the country means putting the nation’s interest first, not yours,” he stated.

Dr Dlamini’s comments come in the wake of this week’s parliamentary debate, where members of parliament (MPs) raised concerns over alleged discord within Cabinet.

During the Prime Minister’s Annual Performance Report for the Financial Year 2024/25 debate, MPs discussed suspicions of discord among Cabinet members.

Ngudzeni MP Charles Ndlovu revealed shocking information that Minister of Information, Communication and Technology Savannah Maziya, had been personally financing her official travels due to alleged internal rifts.

Ndlovu further noted that certain officials within the ministry of ICT were bypassing Minister Maziya and reporting directly to the prime minister instead.

Additionally, Ntondozi MP Peter Ngwenya observed that in his opening remarks, the premier congratulated Minister Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Pholile Shakantu on her new role as President of the Organisation of African Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), but failed to acknowledge Minister Maziya’s election as chairperson of the Global Council on Sustainable Development Goal 5. This omission was perceived as indicative of underlying tensions within Cabinet.

In response to these allegations, the head of government denied the existence of any rift within Cabinet.

He acknowledged that disagreements can occur in any working environment, but emphasised that such differences do not equate to a division.

Addressing the specific claim regarding travel restrictions, the premier clarified that no minister had been banned from external travel, citing a recent trip to Dubai, where multiple ministers reportedly expressed interest in attending but not all were allowed, stating that the selection process for such trips does not imply exclusion or favoritism.

Highlighting the potential repercussions of internal divisions in the Cabinet, Dr Dlamini warned that such discord could tarnish the reputation of governmental institutions.

He said any internal conflicts within the executive arm could erode public trust and diminish the credibility of government, stating that those in leadership must act in a manner that upholds the dignity of state institutions.

“These institutions must be safeguarded at all costs because they represent the pillars of our governance. If leadership appears fractured, it does not only affect those within but has a wider impact on national stability,” he cautioned.

Dr Dlamini further noted that in any government, professionalism and discipline should be paramount.

“It is crucial that Cabinet remains focused on policy implementation and national development rather than personal differences,” he said.

Drawing from his extensive experience in leadership, Dr Dlamini highlighted the necessity for leaders to transcend personal differences for the greater good.

“Even if you do not see eye to eye with someone, the fact that you are serving the nation with them means you have to humble yourselves and make sure that you sit down and find amicable ways to resolve the issues,” he advised. 

He admitted that it is natural for leaders to have differing opinions, but highlighted that even then, tolerance and mutual respect are paramount.

“Human beings that are leaders in their own rights aren’t expected to think the same or always agree at all times, but what is expected of them is that they are tolerant towards each other because the biggest and most important thing is progress and development of the nation, so there has to be respect,” he added.

Dr Dlamini shone light on the country’s global reputation for respect and peace, urging leaders to embody these values, especially given His Majesty King Mswati III’s consistent advocacy for peace.
“This is a country renowned globally for respect, so it means whenever entrusted with the responsibility of leadership, you have to lead with respect at all times,” said Dr AT.

He referenced the recent opening of the Second Session of the 12th Parliament where the king led the nation in prayer, emphasising that any discord within the executive contradicts the monarch’s leadership and vision for peace.

“We should learn from the king because coming from the national prayer and parliament opening where he made us all pray with him, that should show you how it goes against his leadership for the executive arm to be up in arms against each other; it’s not the right way to work,” Dr Dlamini said.

The Tibiyo TakaNgwane MD further underscored the importance of forgiveness among leaders to ensure national progress.

“If there’s been anywhere where they have stepped on each other's toes, then they need to sit down and forgive each other for the greater good of the nation because their own personal issues have the potential of causing great harm to the country,” he cautioned, advising that even in cases where disagreements arise behind closed doors, leaders must demonstrate unity when addressing the nation.

He reminded politicians of their responsibility to set a positive example for the youth, emphasising that internal conflicts among those entrusted with governance could demoralise the populace.

“As leaders, they have a responsibility to show the way to the many young people of this country, so what are they learning if those entrusted with leading our government are bickering among each other in the midst of great challenges that the public would want to see addressed as per their submissions during the People’s Parliament (Sibaya),” he added.

The former PM highlighted the critical role of public perception in governance, emphasising that any apparent disunity among leaders could create uncertainty among the nation.

“If Emaswati start believing that their leaders are divided, it can affect confidence in decision-making and governance as a whole,” he explained, calling upon politicians and anyone entrusted with a leadership positions in the government machinery to ensure that their public engagements reflect cohesion and a common vision for the nation.

In that view, Dr Dlamini issued a challenge to Cabinet to prioritise their duties with the utmost integrity, reiterating that this is such a crucial time in the country’s development, and therefore, leadership should be centred on cooperation and progress.

“The nation is watching, and the youth, especially, look up to those in power for guidance. It is important that leadership is exercised with honour, discipline and a deep sense of responsibility,” he said.

“We need to see policies being implemented, development taking shape and the people's concerns being addressed. That is the role of the executive—to lead with purpose and conviction,” Dr Dlamini added, urging Cabinet ministers to reflect on the privilege and responsibility of leadership.

“Being entrusted with leadership is an honour, but it comes with the responsibility to act selflessly, so they should ensure that they are a collective serve as a beacon of unity, stability and development,” he stated.

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