Swazi Observer

FULL STORY

EX-PM IS DEAD

By THEMBEKA DLAMINI | 2018-09-30

The country’s longest serving Prime Minister Dr. Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini has died.

Dlamini, aged 76, served 17 years as premier, through three full terms and one in part.

He succumbed to death on Friday night while admitted at Mkhiwa Clinic, where he was rushed to in the late afternoon.

His demise was confirmed by his elder sister, Lomagugu Magagula yesterday morning.

The ex-PM’s death comes after a long fight against prostate cancer which saw him get medical attention on the regular.

For over a year and a half, the ailment which saw him requiring several medical procedures, was not named as it remained in obscurity.

This diagnosis was confirmed by one of the several medical personnel who have attended to him in the last 18 months since he was said to have been first diagnosed in March 2017, albeit in confidence.

His last official day in cabinet was April 9, when he returned from London where he had represented His Majesty King Mswati III during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

According to close family members, he carried on working against his physician’s better judgement as he was instructed to rest over a year prior to his last major medical scare which came about after a fall while in his bedroom at Hospital Hill.

Despite all odds, the former premier saw his last term in cabinet to the end before bowing out.

He died a few hours after he was rushed to the hospital to be attended by specialist surgeon Dr Siamak Monadjem, the founder of the health facility.

Of note, Dr Monadjem attended to the ailing former premier nearly two weeks ago and recommended a transfer to South Africa’s Netcare Milpark.

On Friday, when he was rushed to the hospital, Dr Monadjem was not around and he was recalled to attend to the high profile patient who died a few hours later.

“Please call Mr Dlamini (referring to PM’s son, Muzi) for all comments pertaining the former PM. He can comment,” Dr Monadjem said briefly, before cutting the call.

However, sources at the hospital revealed that the former premier’s wife left in the early hours of the morning. It could not be ascertained if she spent the night there.

The premier recently completed his third full term as leader of government, a role he first took up in 1996, whereas elections were later held in 1998.

He was reappointed into the position and he served a full term up to 2003.

He returned to Hospital Hill for a third term (second full) in 2008 until 2013.

He was reappointed in October 2013 and led the 10th parliament until he became indisposed.

He, however, carried on working, even though on the sidelines as Deputy Prime Minister Paul Dlamini acted on his behalf.

share story