STATEMENT BY THE RT HON PRIME MINISTER
DR B.SIBUSISO DLAMINI
AT THE SWEARING-IN CEREMONY FOR THREE CABINET MINISTERS:
OWEN NXUMALO, CHRISTOPHER GAMEDZE AND JABULANI MABUZA
AT THE CABINET OFFICES
MONDAY 10 OCTOBER 2016
Honourable Ministers
Attorney-General
Relatives of the two new Ministers
Representatives of the Media
It is my honour, firstly, to thank His Majesty the King, and Her Majesty the Queen Mother for blessing the three appointments for which this Swearing-In ceremony is being conducted this morning. I take the opportunity, furthermore, to remind all three Cabinet Ministers of the importance of their oath of allegiance to His Majesty King Mswati III and his heirs.
It is my privilege to extend my warmest congratulations to Owen Nxumalo and Christopher Gamedze, on their appointment to the Cabinet of His Majesty’s Government. To these I add my congratulations to Minister Jabulani Mabuza as he undertakes his re-assignment to a new Ministry.
To the new Ministers may I reiterate that you have been appointed to a very high and responsible position in His Majesty’s Government. The confidence shown in the skills and experience that you will bring to the work of Cabinet must now be matched by your delivery to King and country to the very highest standards expected of you.
Each of you will be aware that the nature of your function as Cabinet Minister, and the responsibilities attached to your position, are very clearly defined in our national Constitution. You should familiarise yourself with every detail of the relevant provisions, especially those relating to the collective responsibility of Cabinet.
Each of you will now head up a Ministry of His Majesty’s Government. In that executive position you must lead by example, exhibiting all the necessary qualities of commitment, communication, integrity and resourcefulness. You should work closely with your Principal Secretary and Ministry staff, giving them the fullest encouragement, guidance and support as they carry out their duties implementing Government policy, programmes and projects. Devotion to achieving first class standards of service delivery to the people of our country must permeate every activity of your future professional life as a Minister of the Crown.
I trust that your families, while celebrating your appointments, will provide the necessary support and understanding to you in your new positions and the working of long hours that frequently accompany the elevation to high office in Government.
On behalf of my colleagues I welcome you to the Cabinet team and to our dedication to hard work and collaborative effort. We all look forward to your joining us at your first Cabinet meeting at 9.00am tomorrow.
To Minister Jabulani Mabuza may I say that, while already a Minister of His Majesty’s Government when being re-assigned to the new portfolio within Cabinet, it is essential that you renew your commitment to the above principles and standards as you take on the challenging responsibilities in your new Ministry.
May I conclude by giving my best wishes to all three Ministers for achieving the highest quality of delivery in each of your Ministries. May you also call on the Almighty God for strength and support as you carry out your new duties.
Thank you.