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Mfomfo faces sedition charge for criticising King’s speech
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FIREBRAND former MP Mfomfo Nkhambule might be charged with sedition.
Government yesterday warned that Nkhambule risks being charged under the Sedition and Subversive Activities Act for criticising His Majesty King Mswati III’s speech when he officially opened parliament on Friday.
Prime Minister Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamnini yesterday issued a warning that while people are free to exercise their freedom of speech, this does not mean they have a right to abuse that privilege.
He explained that His Majesty like all Swazis “does have a reputation and enjoys the protection among others as specified in the Sedition and Subversive Activities Act.
The PM says people who wish to criticise the speech should do so in a language and manner which shows respect to the office of the monarch as dictated by the constitution.
“It has been noted that these comments are misguided. It is a universal trend that during the opening of parliament, the head of state delivers a statement that gives guidelines and direction on the operations of government with emphasis on key priority issues.
“The speech from the throne is crafted after extensive consultations with government and other national structures.
“Whilst it is expected that members of the public have high expectations of the speech from the throne, the speech is not intended to detail the full government programme for that year. “Government welcomes constructive comments of the speech – as the constitution guarantees freedom of expression. However, this does not give people the right to abuse this privilege. All rights come with certain responsibilities and limitations such as respect for others.”
The PM said the King’s speech does not seek to spell out all that is contained in the national budget and programme of action.
“Futhermore, the King does not read the national budget anywhere, but extracts can be included in his speech from the throne.”
He announced that government was currently preparing a detailed programme of action for the coming year, which will be announced shortly based on the speech from the throne.
Government yesterday warned that Nkhambule risks being charged under the Sedition and Subversive Activities Act for criticising His Majesty King Mswati III’s speech when he officially opened parliament on Friday.
Prime Minister Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamnini yesterday issued a warning that while people are free to exercise their freedom of speech, this does not mean they have a right to abuse that privilege.
He explained that His Majesty like all Swazis “does have a reputation and enjoys the protection among others as specified in the Sedition and Subversive Activities Act.
The PM says people who wish to criticise the speech should do so in a language and manner which shows respect to the office of the monarch as dictated by the constitution.
“It has been noted that these comments are misguided. It is a universal trend that during the opening of parliament, the head of state delivers a statement that gives guidelines and direction on the operations of government with emphasis on key priority issues.
“The speech from the throne is crafted after extensive consultations with government and other national structures.
“Whilst it is expected that members of the public have high expectations of the speech from the throne, the speech is not intended to detail the full government programme for that year. “Government welcomes constructive comments of the speech – as the constitution guarantees freedom of expression. However, this does not give people the right to abuse this privilege. All rights come with certain responsibilities and limitations such as respect for others.”
The PM said the King’s speech does not seek to spell out all that is contained in the national budget and programme of action.
“Futhermore, the King does not read the national budget anywhere, but extracts can be included in his speech from the throne.”
He announced that government was currently preparing a detailed programme of action for the coming year, which will be announced shortly based on the speech from the throne.
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