MBABANE: The Parliament Finance Committee led by Lobamba Lomdzala Member of Parliament (MP) Marwick Khumalo has tabled a highly informative report recommending that, international trips for Members of Parliament (MPs) must be approved by Senate President Lindiwe Gwebu-Dlamini and Speaker Jabulani ‘Buy Cash’ Mabuza.
This means, should the report be adopted by Parliament, Prime Minister Russell Dlamini will lose the ‘borrowed’ powers to approve the trips, the Finance Committee conducted investigation into Government expenditure as part of its constitutional mandate.
“The Committee recommends that the Minister for Finance, through the Public Budget Committee, undertake a restructuring of the Parliament vote to ensure that its allocation adequately reflects the bicameral nature of Parliament and the attendant statutory, oversight, and international obligations of both Chambers. Such restructuring should provide sufficient provision for parliamentary engagements that advance national interests and legislative diplomacy, consistent with Parliament’s mandate. The
Committee further recommends that approval for official parliamentary travel be vested in the Presiding Officers of Parliament, restoring the practice that prevailed during the 8th Parliament and partly during the 9th Parliament. This arrangement shall take effect immediately upon promulgation of the Appropriation Act for the 2026/27 Financial Year,beffective 1 April 2026,” reads the report in part.
Other Members of Finance Committee include appointed MP Prince Lindani, Hhukwini MP Alec Lushaba, Sabelo Mtetwa, Deputy Speaker Madala Mhlanga, Princess Nkosungumenzi Dlamini, Masiphula Mamba, David Ngcamphalala, Allen Vilane, Charles Ndlovu, Manzi Zwane and Petros Sibandze.
Senate President Lindiwe Gwebu-Dlamini.