By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE: Themba Nhlanganiso Masuku, the Deputy Prime Minister(DPM) and former Senate President Lindiwe Gwebu Dlamini are allegedly among the list of candidates scrutinized by King Mswati’s Advisors ahead of the appointment of a new Prime Minister in October 2023.

Another possible candidate scrutinized by the Advisors,as disclosed by royal insiders is Prince Mhlabuhlangene, the Chairman of the Elections and Boundaries Commission(EBC), while other candidates who might be appointed into the position of PM, are a subject of verification by this Swaziland News.

Prince Gcina who recently represented the King in the United States(US) Independence celebration at the Ezulwini Embassy, and one Mahlaba Mamba who has been recalled from overseas, forms part of high profile names of individuals who might be deployed in other State positions.

The royal insider who work closely with King Mswati said, the process of identifying possible candidates for the next Cabinet had already started but, he maintained that, despite the possible recommendations from the King’s Advisors, possibilities were high that the King might surprise the country with a different name.

This publication reported earlier that, among the list possible of possible candidates for the position of PM who are being scrutinized,was a female Cabinet Minister whose name cannot be revealed pending further verification.

But Percy Simelane, the King’s Spokesperson said, it’s very hard to predict or conclude who might be appointed by the Monarch as the next Prime Minister(PM).

Responding to a questionnaire from this Swaziland News earlier, Simelane said,similar lists existed before but the King went on to appoint a different person.

“We are not aware of the short-list in question.This means we have no basis for committing.We have had similar lists before although they did not include women candidates for Premiership, the King appointed at times from none of them. I want to believe even this time, it still will be a wait-and-see scenario”, said the King’s Spokesperson.

On another note, the royal insider told this publication that, those who were lobbying for DPM Themba Masuku were of the view that, the DPM became a shield(Sihlangu) for the country and therefore, he cannot be ignored for the PM position, merely for being a ‘non-Dlamini’.

”Walifela’ vele Masuku lelive, controlling the unrest, konkhe kwakusemahlombe akhe. Netinhlamba, konkhe kwamenya nguye avikela lelive,” said the insider.

The powerful and politically connected Jesus Calls Worship Centre(JCWC) religious cabal, with links Mswati’s mother-in law Jabulile Mashwama, is lobbying for ex-Senate President Lindiwe Gwebu-Dlamini.