MBABANE:Sibongile Mazibuko, the President of the Ngwane National Liberatory Congress (NNLC) has warned royalty against defrauding the Nation by claiming the over E100million in travelling allowances despite that the United Nations resolved to hold a visual General Assembly this year.
Speaking to this Swaziland News on Tuesday, the NNLC President said the money should be used to pay scholarships and allowances for University students, feed the poor and further assist citizens affected by drought with clean water. She said the fact that the country will save millions that was to be pocketed by the royal family and other senior government officials in respect of travelling allowances means nothing to the public if the very same money will be stolen royalty.
“Government should say, we have saved over E100million and this money will be used to pay scholarships and increase allowances for students. Those students who were denied scholarships because they did not qualify should be considered because the country has saved millions. We want to see government distributing food to the Nation and assisting with clean water by establishing boreholes in area affected by drought” she said.
Eswatini, a tiny Kingdom situated in Southern Africa has about 70% of its population living below the poverty line, however, King Mswati is counted among the richest Monarchies in the world.
This publication reported on Monday that taxpayers will save over E100million after it was confirmed that the United Nations will hold a visual General Assembly.
It has been reported that the King, royal family members and senior government officials normally use this opportunity to loot millions of taxpayers’money through travelling allowances.
Lisa Peterson, the Ambassador of the United States to eSwatini expressed concerns that even King’s children were travelling to the UN General Assembly at huge costs despite that they had no political role to play, she called for the matter to be addressed urgently.
Government Spokesperson Sabelo Dlamini did not respond to questions when asked about the latest development, Cabinet’s new communications arrangement suggests that he must first seek permission from Vuma Reputable Management, a Public Relations company that manages government reputation.
On or around October 2018, around 100 delegation was accommodated in Mandarin Oriental hotel, which is arguably one of the most expensive hotels in the United States.
The country was paying $2595 (E 36 732.85) per person per night and this meant, the delegation of about 100 people cost the country E3 673 285.00 a night.
King Mswati and one of his wife LaMahlangu