MBABANE:Percy Simelane,the King’s Spokesperson says Liqoqo King’s Advisory Council is constitutionally obligated to adjudicate on traditional matters fairly, even when the complainants or accused persons are members of the People’s United Democratic Movement(PUDEMO).
Responding to this Swaziland News on Wednesday, when asked about a matter of eKutsimuleni where Chief Prince Mphelave and Indvuna Rogers Mamba are alleged to have told Liqoqo that Khulekani Shongwe and his relatives are PUDEMO members, resulting to Liqoqo Chairman Paul Dlamini dismissing a land dispute matter, Simelane clarified that perhaps, it was a communication breakdown.
Prince Chief Mphelave was reported to Liqoqo by the Shongwe family for allegedly grabbing land after the death of elders, Chairman Paul Dlamini is alleged to have said, the family could have won the matter if they were not PUDEMO members.
“We are not aware of any constitutional position or clause denying political party members from enjoying State service. Our experience is that political party members and their children equally benefit from State services such as free medical attention at 60 years and scholarships.They are not discriminated even when government recruits civil servants.We will continue to believe that in the case in question,there was communication breakdown somewhere”, said the King’s Spokesperson.
Efforts to reach eKutsimuleni Indvuna Rogers Mamba proved unsuccessful at the time of compiling this report.
On another note, Khulekani Shongwe, comfirmed that he “is a member of the People’s United Democratic Movement but expressed concerns regarding the sentiments of Liqoqo Chairman.
“The Chairman of the King’s Advisory Council told me that indzaba yetfu iyevakala ngabe siyayiwina mane sekuneliphunga le-PUDEMO.We reported the Chief and Indvuna for grabbing our land and all they did when we appeared before the Council was to mention that, we are PUDEMO members and that was the end of the matter”, he said.
Apart from advising the King,Liqoqo adjudicate on matters of eSwatini Law and Custom, Liqoqo work in collaboration with the Ludzidzini Council.
King Mswati(pic: Internet).