MBABANE: Makhosi Vilakati, the Minister of Labour and Social Security has been transferred to a South Africa hospital for a COVID-19 treatment, Senator Themba Masuku, the Acting Prime Minister confirmed through a press statement.

Vilakati, a Member of Parliament(MP) for LaMgabhi Inkhundla who was treated at the Lubombo Referral Hospital was transferred on Saturday to the neighbouring country for specialised treatment.

"His Majesty's Government wishes to notify the Nation that the Minister of Labour and Social Security Honourable Makhosi Vilakati has today been transferred from Lubombo Referral Hospital to a South African health facility for specialised treatment procedures not available in the country following infections with COVID-19" said the Acting Deputy Prime Minister in a statement dated 23rd January 2021.

But Brian Sangweni, the Spokesperson of the People's United Democratic Movement(PUDEMO) said as a political organisation they are disappointed in government's decision to transfer Minister Makhosi Vilakati to a South African hospital after the same government destroyed the health system.

"We are so disappointed in this government , it should have ensured that our health system was up to standard but they decided to ignore it. They are looting our taxes to pay for their medical aids so they could afford treatment outside the country. We have lost many swazis due to the COVID-19 pandemic but no one has bothered to strengthen our health system.This is the character of the Tinkhundla regime, those in power are living large when the ordinary citizens are suffering. Swazis should wake up and smell the coffee and fight for democracy", said the PUDEMO Spokesperson.