PM RUSSELL DLAMINI FACES CONTEMPT OF PARLIAMENT OVER R50 MILLION LUKE COMMISSION BLOCK

Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini may soon face contempt of Parliament charges after allegedly blocking the release of R50million subvention owed to The Luke Commission, money that was already approved by Parliament through the Appropriation Act of 2025. The unfolding standoff has triggered anger among Members of Parliament who say the Prime Minister is acting above the law and placing lives at risk.

An MP who spoke to this Swaziland News on condition of anonymity told editor Zweli Martin Dlamini that a serious lobbying effort has already begun within Parliament to stop the passage of the National Budget until the Prime Minister authorises the release of the funds. According to the MP, Parliament will not be bullied into approving the budget while a lawful allocation meant for lifesaving healthcare remains blocked.

The MP said Members of Parliament fully understand the importance of The Luke Commission because they personally transport elderly people from their constituencies to the hospital for treatment. He explained that MPs see the suffering of ordinary emaSwati every day, especially in rural areas where access to proper healthcare is limited.

“We were actually shocked to read in the Swaziland News that the Prime Minister is refusing to release the money. If it was not for a generous businessman who donated R1million, electricity at The Luke Commission could have been cut. We appreciate that donation, but charity cannot replace government responsibility. We were elected by the people and we know exactly how important The Luke Commission is, especially when public hospitals have no drugs. We will not pass the budget until there is proof that the R50million has been paid,” said the MP.

The Luke Commission remains one of the most critical health institutions in Eswatini, providing services to thousands of patients every year, many of whom cannot afford private healthcare. In a country where public hospitals are facing severe shortages of medicine, blocking funding to such a facility is seen by many as cruel and reckless.

On another note, MPs say this is not the first time Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has undermined Parliament. They argue that his refusal to release money approved by law is part of a broader pattern of arrogance and disregard for Parliament as the legislative arm of government.

Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli declined to comment when contacted about the matter, adding to growing frustration among lawmakers and the public. Her silence comes as pressure mounts on the Prime Minister to explain why he is refusing to implement a law passed by Parliament.

Further allegations suggest that the Prime Minister overruled Cabinet and personally blocked the release of the money, despite Cabinet approval. If true, this would mean the PM violated the Appropriation Act of 2025 and acted outside his legal authority. Critics argue that this behaviour exposes the dangerous concentration of power in the Prime Minister’s office under the absolute monarchy.

Human rights lawyer Sibusiso Nhlabatsi, when asked to comment on whether the Prime Minister is violating the law, said the money must be released without delay. He warned the PM against allowing personal interests to override public interest.

“The Prime Minister is the Chairman of Cabinet. His role is to preside over Cabinet meetings and implement Cabinet resolutions, not to impose his own interests. If there are concerns about the money, it is the Minister of Health who must raise them in Cabinet, not the Prime Minister acting alone. We all know the critical role played by The Luke Commission in this country,” said Nhlabatsi.

As Parliament prepares for a possible showdown, the message from MPs is clear. They are ready to halt the National Budget and hold Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini accountable. For the people of Eswatini, this is not just a political fight, but a matter of life and death.