By Phiwa Sikhondze
Business Eswatini, the apex business representative body in Eswatini, has congratulated the newly appointed Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Russell Mmiso Dlamini, on his ascension to the position.
The President of Business Eswatini, Mvuselelo Fakudze, issued a statement on behalf of the private sector, expressing their support and anticipation for the new government.
Fakudze praised Dlamini’s track record of leadership and his experience in dealing with crises and calamities as the former CEO of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), highlighting his confidence in the new Prime Minister.
“UMlangeni, the new PM, is well known in most sectors which are consequential to the nation, and not least to the private sector which is inarguably the engine for economic growth. His traceable track record of leadership and his natural proclivity for nation-building is well known by all and sundry. Crucially, his illustrious experience in dealing with all manner of crisis and unplanned calamities while serving as the CEO of the NDMA will surely stand him in good stead as he takes the rains of running a national government,” he said.
Fakudze said that Business Eswatini hoped and believed that the new government, under Dlamini’s leadership would build on the successes of the previous administration, and would address the challenges and opportunities facing the country. He said that Business Eswatini was ready to work with the new government in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation, and to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.
He also pledged their commitment as the private sector to collaborating with the government in taking the country to another level of success.
“We hope and believe that as we begin another chapter in the life of this nation, our social partnership with government will usher in a new level of collaboration in our collective endeavour to take this country to another level of success,” Fakudze said.
The BE President also commended His Majesty King Mswati III for his wisdom and vision for the nation’s economic development, and for the success of the Sibaya Programme, which he dubbed as “Sibaya – Open Mic Moments”. Dlamini’s appointment comes at a time when the country is facing economic and social challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, high unemployment, poverty, and inequality. The private sector, which is considered as the engine for economic growth, has been affected by these challenges, and has been calling for more conducive policies and regulations to enhance their operations and competitiveness.