By Mbono Mdluli | 2018-10-28

His Majesty King Mswati III has appointed MTN CEO Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini (50) as new Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini.

This transpired yesterday during the third day of the People’s Parliament (Sibaya) at the Ludzidzini Royal Residence.

Dlamini’s appointment was immediately hailed by the thousands of members of the public, who had gone to the cattle byre in anticipation of the country’s biggest political appointment.

However, the public was confused for a short time when the King announced Dlamini’s name. “The name of the person to do this huge assignment will be Mandvulo Dlamini,” the King said.

People seemed confused and puzzled for a moment as to who the King had just announced as they were not familiar with Dlamini’s second name (Mandvulo).

Everyone started looking for one Mandvulo that had been anounced by the King. “Uphi lo Mandvulo? Yini ngatsi akekho emkhatsini wetfu lana? (Where is Mandvulo? Is he with us here?)” Some of the Sibaya attendants were heard saying.

Seemingly, the police were also confused by the name Mandvulo, because they took some time figuring out who that was. They were helped by some members of the public who knew that Mandvulo was actually Ambrose Dlamini.

Upon realising that Dlamini (Ambrose) was the one that was being called, the sounds of Bayethe reverberated inside the huge cattle byre.

The nation was appreciating the choice of the King for this appointment. Women, who were sitting on a certain section of the byre, also shouted in jubilation at the cattle byre. The police started looking for him around the cattle byre. He was sitting with Senator Themba Masuku, Cleopas Dlamini, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Principal Secretary Clifford Mamba and MTN Board Chairperson David Dlamini.

After locating him, the police went and informed him that he had to be escorted to the King. He had taken off his blazer at the time when the plain-clothed police officers approached him.

He had to start putting on his blazer before he started making strides to the country’s history as the youngest ever PM to be appointed.

After putting on that blazer, he was helped by the police to stand up from where he was sitting. This made members of the public to think he had fainted after hearing his name being called, probably because of having been overcome by emotions.

However, that turned out not to be true because Dlamini was able to walk on his own towards where the King was sitting. It was a long walk indeed, which took Dlamini about three minutes while trying to compose himself.

He was escorted by the police, which included Senator Isaac Magagula, the outgoing police national commissioner. He respectfully walked towards the King.

He sat on the right side of His Majesty, just before Princes Lindani, Majaha and Khethabahle Mdluli (one of the King’s praise singers).

Dlamini, upon sitting down, smilingly raised his hand towards the King, as a sign of appreciating the appointment. The King also wore a broad smile, showing that he too, was content with his choice of Dlamini as prime minister.

The King concluded by thanking the nation for witnessing this occasion and wished Dlamini well as he executed his duties as the head of government.

‘We have to support new PM’

Former Minister of Economic Planning and Development Prince Hlangusemphi pledges to support new Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini.

Prince Hlangusemphi said this yesterday when asked to share his feelings on the appointment of the new premier. The prince hailed the King for such an appointment, saying Dlamini deserved the position, as he had what it took to lead the government.

Prince Hlangusemphi acknowledged that Dlamini did not have experience in leading the government, but with the right support, he could turn around the economy of the country.

He also warned the nation not to expect that Dlamini would get everything right as he was also a human being, who was prone to make mistakes.

He said the journey with Dlamini would have its ups and downs, hence he needed to be supported in many ways. “We, as parliamentarians in the 10th Parliament, are readily available to assist where we are needed,” Prince Hlangusemphi said.

Dlamini suits the needs of country – Dr. Tambo Gina

His Majesty King Mswati III has done the right thing in appointing MTN CEO Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini as the new prime minister.

This was said by Lubulini MP Dr. Tambo Gina when giving his comment on the appointment yesterday. Gina said the country needed someone who understood the economy and Dlamini has what it takes to resuscitate the country’s ailing economy.

Gina said Dlamini had so much experience in the ICT sector and could use that sector to ensure that he improved the country’s economy. Dlamini, according to Gina, had to tap into that experience of his to help the country achieve its vision.

 Briefly about Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini:

Date of Birth: March 5, 1968.

Where he comes from: Mbekelweni.

Educational Background: Has an MBA in commerce from Hampton University as well as a B.com from UNESWA.

Work Experience: Worked as MTN CEO from 2010 to 2018.

 He worked as Nedbank Managing Director (MD) from 2003 to 2010. Prior to that, he had worked as a Business Management Consultant at Standard Bank, Strategy Consultant at Absa Bank in South Africa, and worked as a bank teller at Barclays Bank.

He has been in managerial positions since 1997 as he rose to the helm of the banks he worked at

Family: He has one wife and three children namely; Nosipho, Mihla, and Tanele.

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