MBABANE:Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini allegedly clashed with other Ministers during a Cabinet meeting about two (2) week ago and this time, the bone of contention was a R50million subversion to be paid by Government to the Luke Commission.
Cabinet Ministers who supported the payment of the subversion to the Luke Commission include Commerce Minister Mancoba Khumalo and Finance Minister Neal Rijikernberg, a former Board member of the Luke Commission.
But details of the Cabinet meeting leaked to this Swaziland News by Cabinet sources suggest that, the Prime Minister questioned why the Luke Commission was receiving millions from Government without any clear accountability framework.
The PM subsequently accused Finance Minister Neal Rijikernberg of pushing for the Luke Commission to receive the subversion because of his alleged links with the private hospital.
“You are pushing for the Luke Commission to receive this money because you were a Board member there,” said the Prime Minister when accusing Finance Minister Neal Rijikernberg.
But the Finance Minister told the PM that, he can’t stop the subversion while making mere accusations that, he was a Board member at the Luke Commission.
“Yes I was a Board member but benefited nothing, instead I was donating money to the Luke Commission because I couldn’t bear the pain of seeing sickly emaSwati stranded at the gate without any assistance,” said the Finance Minister when responding to the PM during the meeting.
Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli declined to comment about the debate that allegedly erupted in Cabinet regarding the R50million Luke Commission subversion.
Echo Vanderwal, the Executive Director of the Luke Commission was contacted but, her Secretary who answered the call told this publication that she was not available and could be reached through an alternative line of communication.
But Zakhele Dlamini, the Spokesperson of the Luke Commission subsequently contacted this publication and responded, Dlamini confirmed knowledge of the debate that allegedly erupted in Cabinet regarding the subversion but clarified that, all relevant documents were submitted.
“TLC has submitted all relevant documents as per government directives or requisition. We are praying for an expedition in this regard as TLC has staff to take care for Christmas in terms of salaries and has to gear up for festive emergencies and continue serving the Nation whenever needs arises without fail,” said the Spokesperson of the Luke Commission.
The Luke Commission (pic:TLC).