LOBAMBA: Mduduzi ‘Bacede’ Mabuza, the Hosea Member of Parliament(MP) successfully moved that Parliament business be halted, accusing Cabinet of being in office illegally and or in violation of the Constitution.

This comes after the MP noted that Cabinet Ministers who were elected by the people were now a minority in complete violation of the Supreme Law of the country, the MP said Parliament cannot debate the budget brought by an illegal Cabinet.

“Mr Speaker, I am empowered by Standing Order 58 on a point of order. As an MP who was elected to represent the people of Eswatini particularly those under the Hosea Constituency, I feel this House is now working illegally because in 2005, the King said the country will operate with this Constitution. Now, Section 67(3) suggests that this House is now working illegally without following the Constitution because it states clearly that the country should have at least half of the Cabinet Ministers elected by the people” he said.

After the submissions by the Hosea MP, Attorney General Sifiso Khumalo tried to oppose his sentiments saying he must approach the courts, however, MPs agreed that indeed, the House was working illegally.

A Committee that consists of Acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku, Speaker Petros Mavimbela and Attorney General Sifiso Khumalo was then instructed by Parliament to advise the King to follow the Constitution and ensure that at least half of the Cabinet Ministers are those elected by the people.

Christian Ntjangase, the Minister of Public Service who doubled as Shiselweni MP and Labour Minister Makhosi Vilakati who was elected under LaMgabhi Inkhundla recently died of COVID-19.

At the time of compiling this report on Wednesday evening, the Committee had gone to meet the King over the matter.