MBABANE:Marwick Khumalo, the Lobamba Lomdzala Member of Parliament(MP) says he is surprised to read a story where an MP is alleged to have leaked documents to this Swaziland News, complaining about the employment of Senate President Lindiwe Gwebu-Dlamini’s Personal Assistant(PA) Lungile Siyaya-Fakudze when there are serious issues affecting the country that need to be addressed.
Siyaya-Fakudze has secured a job as Assistant Clerk-at-Table after passing internal interviews, she will now work with Clerk to Parliament Benedict Xaba.
Reacting to the article published on Tuesday evening, the long-serving MP wondered what “is wrong with employing the Senate President’s PA who is well-versed” with the Parliament environment and have understanding of the Parliament procedures.
“What’s wrong with giving job security to fellow citizen who is well placed and has been exposed to the environment?. We should not be biased against young people who are trying to have a better chance in life. No reason to be discriminated against.We have bigger issues facing this country that we as MPs should be pursuing rather than to delve in triviality”, said the MP in a message sent to this journalist.
Senate President Lindiwe Gwebu-Dlamini vigorously denied that,she influenced the employment of her Personal Assistant(PA) who has since secured a permanent job in Parliament.
Clerk to Parliament Benedict Xaba and the newly employed Assistant Clerk-at Table were not immediately available for a comment.
On another note, Lungile Siyaya-Fakudze is now expected to prepare and translate Parliamentary official documents, coordinate meetings for Portfolio Committees and assist in drafting questions and motions for Members of Parliament(MPs).
This is contained in the Parliament documents that form part of her employment, she is also expected to conduct research for Parliament and further organize stakeholder engagement meetings for the MPs.
The new Assistant Clerk-at-Table is also expected to facilitate the passing and amendment of legislation and further provide procedural advice to committees, she will also perform any other duties assigned by the Clerk to Parliament.
MP Marwick Khumalo urged the newly employed Assistant Clerk-at-Table to be strong and focus on her duties as conducting internal interviews “is not new in Parliament”, staff normally compete internally for available posts due their experience in Parliamentary procedures and understanding of the Parliament environment.
The Lobamba Lomdzala MP further urged Parliament staff to compete for better jobs within Parliament and, stop being jealous and use MPs to fight a colleague who have been given a job after passing interviews.
“I wish I could find time in the House to speak on this, just as a passing remark”, said the Lobamba Lomdzala MP.
MP Marwick Khumalo.