POLL WINNERS AND LOSERS - TIMES

Times of Swaziland

22 September 2008

(This file contains several reports)

Elijah, 34 ex-MPs out!

By SIBUSISIWE NGOZO

MBABANE- The close to four months national elections process has ended on a note that sees a large number of new faces elected for the parliament seats.

Official results released by the Elections and Boundaries Commission yesterday showed that about 70 percent of the outgoing MPs failed to make it into parliament.

Only 27 percent of the outgoing MPs bounced back but this figure could change if some of the five pending constituencies qualify.

By yesterday, of the 55 former MPs only 15 managed to retain their positions. This means that about 35 failed to make it back to parliament so far.

Some of the outgoing MPs who crashed out include three cabinet ministers, Njabulo Mabuza, Sgayoyo Magongo and Elijah Shongwe.

Some of the MPs crashed out during the nominations, which is the first phase of the elections process. The likes of Dumsile Sukati, Majozi Sithole, Obed Dlamini and Mfomfo Nkhambule did not enter the parliamentary race from the beginning.

Most of them crashed out during the primary elections and the few who went through failed at the end.

Gundwane Gamedze was one of those who won the elections on a clean slate as he got 3 122 votes to retain his position.

Voting results started streamlining in from Saturday with the last few yesterday morning.

The Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) released the 50 names of the elected MPs in a press conference at 4pm and hailed the process as historic due to numbers that registered for the elections.

Link http://www.times.co.sz/News/1604.html

Timothy stuns in ‘Bin laden’ disguise

By WELCOME DLAMINI

LUBULINI – Ncandvweni Christ Ambassadors lead singer Timothy Myeni showed up for the elections wearing a mask.

The disguise seemed to be a good omen for the award winning artist who emerged a winner of the Lubulini parliamentary elections.

Myeni tricked many a voter with his fake beard as no one could figure out who he was until this newspaper’s photographer sought his name after having taken his picture.

"Who is that old man with an Osama Bin Laden beard?" enquired one voter of his friends who all laughed at the sight of the ‘unknown’ man sporting a unique beard.

Myeni seemed to enjoy the fun of not being recognised but he eventually gave himself away when he blurted in his Zulu accent that he was one of the voters.

One man who was close by quickly figured out who he was and shouted "it’s Timothy", much to the amazement of many.

Myeni was able to even fool the polling officials who could not tell who he was after he greeted and waved at them.

"I wonder who they think I am," Myeni said with a smile.

Myeni is going back to parliament for his second successive term after beating tight competition from former Moneni Pirates soccer star Sanele Gina.

Myeni amassed an impressive 1613 votes while Gina garnered 1305.

Link http://www.times.co.sz/News/1595.html

Hlobsile weeps

By MBONGENI NDLELA

PIGG’S PEAK – Hlobsile Ndlovu, re-elected Pigg’s Peak MP, yesterday broke down to tears during a prayer as she made some startling revelations of abuse against her.

She told residents here that she was attacked, cursed and rebuked during her campaign.

Speaking during a thanksgiving prayer that was attended particularly by her supporters and family members at her home place, the Pigg’s Peak Quarters, said some people tried to bring her down with the help of ritual practices.

She was once called into a kombi and shown a box of ritual bones that had been displayed to determine her downfall into the struggle to Parliament. This happened during the nomination exercise.

The ex-deputy Minister of Regional Development and Youth Affairs did not divulge any names.

She also said a traditionalist, who claimed to have been sent by his ancestors, tried to convince Ndlovu to seek the intervention of traditional doctors in order to break a curse clouding her family members.

The traditionalist told Ndlovu that her late father was angry with her and that has created bad luck for the family. However, Ndlovu refused to engage herself in all these ‘absurd’ practices.

"I told myself that God is with me and that I should not be shaken. I proudly told the traditionalist that I couldn’t associate myself with ‘predictions’ but God will pave my way," said the spiritually high Ndlovu before breaking down to tears.

She further told the residents that prayer was the only option that would see the success of the town and its people.

She said her previous term in Parly was unsuccessful because of too much hatred amongst the people she had to work with.

Link http://www.times.co.sz/News/1597.html

Dubula ‘shoots’ out ex-SNAT chief

By NHLANHLA MATHUNJWA

HHUKWINI –Former Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) executive member Saladdin Magagula is out of the race.

Magagula, who is a teacher by profession, lost to TechnoServe employee Mkhululi Dubula Dlamini, by 57 votes. During the counting, no one thought that Dlamini would emerge the winner as Magagula was the favourite just after the primary elections.

Dlamini, who claims to have spent about E5 000 during his campaigns, stated that the only thing that made him successful was that he told the people the truth. "It was not easy because there were only two of us competing, but I had the confidence that I would make it and indeed I have made it. I am really excited about winning," he said.

When asked as to what his first motion would be when he gets to Parliament, he said it would be poverty eradication.

"Poverty is the main issue for me and the rest will follow. I will also be working hand-in- hand with my people and make sure that I give them what they want as I have been chosen by them," he said.

He said he was yet to meet the community members to get their views before going to Parliament.

"Rest assured, I will be working with the people. The people have spoken and it is time I be their voice," he said.

Link http://www.times.co.sz/News/1598.html

Pastor with JC certificate wins elections

By NHLANHLA MATHUNJWA

MBABANE – A pastor, whose education level is up to the Junior Certificate level, is Mbabane West’s Member of Parliament.

Leader of the Church of God of Prophesy Pastor Johane Mandlenkosi Shongwe, who is also a former police officer, was able to beat three of his competitors.

He said he failed to complete his education at Swazi National High School due to lack of funds. He said not completing school would not be a hurdle because he had been working with the people as Bucopho for the past five years and understood their needs. He recorded 1 050 votes after the counting session held at the Mbabane Central High School.

Dlamini said his main weapon that helped him to win the elections was the fact that he always told the people that he would be working closely with them.

"There is nothing more. I had to tell them the truth and nothing else," he said.

He pointed out that he was no longer a developer but was now a politician.

When asked if being in parliament would not disturb him as a man of God, he said there was no way he could stop preaching as he is what he is today because of the Lord.

"Believe me my brother. It is important for one to become a Christian. Many people have failed because they have not been able to follow God’s direction. I am here to stay," he said.

Shongwe said he would also be giving others a chance as he did not want to make the parliament seat his.

Link http://www.times.co.sz/News/1601.html

SWAZI POLL - WINNERS AND LOSERS

Times Sunday

21 September 2008

(This file contains several reports)

Njabulo Mabuza left scratching his head

By MAKHOSI MAGONGO

MBABANE—Former Minister of Health and Social Welfare Njabulo Mabuza yesterday lost his Parliament seat to a fraud suspect.

Mabuza was the MP for Khubuta constituency for two terms, the last of which he served as a Cabinet minister.

The new MP for the area, according to yesterday’s results, is Charles Myeza, a former police officer who was based at the Police Headquarters.

He resigned from the police force after being arrested and charged for alleged fraud, in that he was part of a racket that allegedly defrauded government hundreds of thousands of Emalangeni.

While his case is still pending in court, Myeza is expected to be sworn in as a Parliamentarian, replacing Mabuza.

According to information released by the police, Myeza got 1 515 votes while Mabuza got an upsetting 644 votes.

According to officials who were present during the counting, tensions were raised as it became apparent that many of the votes were in favour of Myeni, a newcomer in Tinkhundla politics.

Mabuza was also present during the counting, as per election procedure. His phone was not available on the network when sought for comment last night. He was called at 9pm and at 9:40pm.

Prior to politics, Mabuza was a bus operator, trading under the name Mdumiseni Bus Service. His first term in Parliament was less controv-ersial, however he was vocal during Parliament debates. He also served as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, a parliamentary oversight body for government spending.

replaced

When he was re-elected in 2003, Mabuza was appointed to serve as a Cabinet Minister under the leadership of Prime Minister Absalom Themba Dlamini. He replaced Minister Mfomfo Nkambule, who was fired from Cabinet.

Mabuza’s reign at the ministry coincided with the collapse of the health sector in the country. The collapse includes an acute shortage of drugs in hospitals, non-payment of allowances for medical staff, and the shortage of medical equipment to name but a few. However, some of the problems started prior to his appointment. On the bright side, the country’s Health Policy – which is expected to solve many of the current problems – was launched during the tenure of Mabuza. Prior to leaving office, Mabuza allegedly told officers at the Ministry of Heath that he would return to the hot political seat.

Link http://www.times.co.sz/News/1573.html

MBABANE—Former Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Mtiti Fakudze has been re-elected to Parliament by a majority of voters under the Dvokodvweni Inkhundla.

His victory was announced yesterday evening after a tense counting exercise conducted by officers from the Elections and Boundaries Commission.

Over 5 000 people under the Dvokodvweni Constituency went to the polls on Friday to elect the Member of Parliament for the area, where Fakudze was running against four other candidates, including former MP Mahlaba Mamba. Fakudze emerged victorious at the end of the day. His race to re-election was not easy, as he was recently accused of abusing government earthmoving equipment in his campaign.

As a result of this allegation, an aspiring MP, Joel Dlamini went to court seeking an order declaring the primary elections at Mdumezulu null and void.

Dlamini, in his affidavit had argued that the elections for the chiefdom were not free and fair since Fakudze, who was still a Cabinet minister, used government tractors and other machinery as a form of a campaign.

The application was on Wednesday withdrawn by Professor Msibi, who was representing Dlamini. However, the people who crammed Malindza High School to vote were oblivious of these allegations as some of those asked about the matter alleged that it was a way of de-campaigning the minister.

Link http://www.times.co.sz/News/1567.html

Marwick seals the deal

By SIBONGILE SUKATI

MAHLANYA—It is now official, it is third time lucky for Lobamba Lomdzala Member of Parliament Marwick Khumalo as he won by almost 700 votes to get back into parly.

Although Khumalo was nowhere to be seen, his supporters braved the pelting rain and waited outside the voting station until the results were released at around 5pm. Khumalo, who switched constituencies from Lobamba to his new post won with a whopping 1796 votes and was followed by Lynette Charles with 1105 votes. The Times SUNDAY found Khumalo at his home where already over 25 well-wishers were already helping themselves to the food prepared by Khumalo and his family. More people were expected as the beaming Khumalo told this reporter that he was very excited by the win. Even former Senator and friend to Khumalo, Mike Temple, was already at the MPs home.

Interviewed at his residence Khumalo said firstly he was very humbled by the win adding that he was fairly confident that he would make it, as Lobamba Lomdzala was his birthplace.

"To also win by almost 700 votes shows that the people of this constituency have faith in me.

Asked why he had not attended the counting session Khumalo said in all the parliamentary races he has never attended the results bit.

"I believe that I have already done my bit in the campaigning process so being present when counting would not change the result," said Khumalo.

He said although some people might have seen his change in constituency as a risky move he knew that the people of Lobamba Lomdzala were ready for a man of his calibre.

The celebrations were expected to continue till late last night.

The results

Marwick Khumalo 1796

Lynette Charles 1105

Samketi Dlamini 242

Link http://www.times.co.sz/News/1568.html

‘Wangena Umagwinya!’

By MANQOBA NXUMALO

MBABANE— Gospel artist Frans Dlamini will add to the number of gospel artist-turned- politicians after successfully winning the race to Parliament.

Dlamini won the elections yesterday, beating his fierce contender Machawe Mabuza who had earlier taken a lead and sending fears that he could make the renowned singer bite the dust.

However, it was all systems go for Dlamini, who eventually got 1 184 votes while Mabuza got 719 and third placed Sibusiso Dlamini got 355 votes.

Tension was high at the Nhlambeni Inkhundla yesterday as the four contenders seemed to be getting high votes in their constituencies and were anxiously sitting at the polling station hall watching in disbelief as Dlamini amassed more votes.

However, Dlamini proved his popularity during the last count when he jumped to pole position.

Dlamini will join Ncandweni Christ Ambassadors lead singer Timothy Myeni who also won the elections at Lubulini Inkhundla.

Link http://www.times.co.sz/News/1569.html

Solo Kuhlobile!

By SABELO MASIMULA and MBONGENI

PIGG’S PEAK—‘Solo Kuhlobile’ and ‘Litsemba LeNdzingeni’ are back in parliament.

This comes after the two ministers, Hlobsile Ndlovu and Lutfo Dlamini, finally won the race to the august House yesterday amid the recent allegations of corruption from both their communities’ residents.

The outgoing ministers, now back in politics, had tough competition in the race to parliament.

Immediately the eventual winner was announced at the Pigg’s Peak’s Magistrate court a wild, ecstatic and sheer exhilarating scene of celebrations vibrated all over the Pigg’s Peak constituency as Ndlovu won a second term to Parliament in what appeared to be a landslide victory.

Ndlovu’s supporters started singing a song which has the lyrics, ‘bayajabula ephalamende, sichamuka nentfombi emhlophe kangaka’ loosely translated, happy they are in parliament as we bring them this beautiful lady’.

In as much as it was expected, a convoy of cars left for the Pigg’s Peak club in jubilation.

Hlobsile Ndlovu won by 1 468 votes and was followed by James Mkhontfo of Nginamadvolo, who snatched 690 votes.

Link http://www.times.co.sz/News/1570.html

Nash’s son fails, McFord wins it

By NTOMBI MHLONGO

MANZINI—Kip Kip Director Macford Sibandze also booked himself a seat in Parliament by winning the elections at the Manzini North Inkhundla yesterday.

Sibandze defied all odds and beat favourite Bongani Shongwe who is a son to Divine Healing Ministries Pastor Sash Shongwe.

Sibandze won with a massive 1039 votes and Shongwe, who came second, could only manage 729 votes.

Shongwe, as if he knew how things would turn out, did not show up yesterday at the polling station at Hillside High School, but his father did.

The Bishop is said to have informed the polling officers that he was standing for his son who could not make it, but the officers would hear none of it as they felt that his presence would intimidate the other candidates.

Lungelo Dlamini, the teacher who resigned at Hillside High School, could only manage 639 votes and came third.

It is not clear if the school has already found a replacement or not.

Sibandze could not be reached for comment as his mobile phone was switched off for the better of yesterday.

This newspaper tried tracking him from 5pm until at around 9pm, but to no avail.

Link http://www.times.co.sz/News/1571.html

Roy Fanourakis’ bid stopped by Gamedze

By MANQOBA NXUMALO

MTFONGWANENI— Former Chairman of the Swaziland National Youth Council (SNYC) Patrick Gamedze is the new Member of Parliament representing the Mtfongwaneni Inkhundla.

Gamedze defeated former cabinet minister Roy Fanourakis during the secondary elections held here yesterday.

The tightly contested elections saw Fanourakis losing by 387 votes as Gamedze managed to amass 1 387 votes while Fanaroukis got 997 votes.

During the Primary elections Gamedze attained 553 votes while Fanaroukis got 318 votes. During the voting it was clear that the two enjoyed popularity in the community even though Gamedze appeared to be a darling of the youth while the elderly preferred the former King’s Office Chief Executive Officer.

Some of the contenders who also lost include Ndumiso Gamedze, Eric Dlamini, and Hlobsile Mngometulu.

An elated Gumedze said he was sure that he was going to win because they had done enough ground work ahead of the voting, but said he was equally cautious that politics was a game of surprises.

Gamedze said now that he had won he was making plans that immediately the dust settles he would convene a community meeting where he would take the mandate of the people on what is to be done. He said he was happy that his fierce contender, Fanourakis was taking the defeat as a man and maintained that this race did not mean it would break their long standing friendship.

"I will even consult with him where necessary," Gamedze said.

He said even though he was a parliamentarian in waiting this would not affect his business because he had highly qualified staff that was capable of handling anything in his absence. He assured, however, that outside politics his Insurance business was his number one priority.

During an earlier interview, Fanourakis had said he realised that the elections in his area were tightly contested and was leaving everything to luck. He said he knew that people promise one thing and do another which is why he was not confident of the results.

Irene Zwane, one of the voters, said the first assignment that the new MP would have to do is provide them with public transport. She said they had to walk long distances to the polling station because the area did not have transport.

Zwane said they also had a problem with clean water as they now share their water with animals. She also said they wanted the elderly to get paid monthly even if it’s a paltry E100.

Link http://www.times.co.sz/News/1572.html

CANDIDATE 'TRYING TOO HARD'

Times of Swaziland

12 September 2008

Comment

‘like lipstick on a pig’

By Phephisa Khoza

A good quote to always have at hand as we draw close to the national elections scheduled for next Friday, would be one from American Presidential candidate Barack Obama when he said ‘like lipstick on a pig’.

Obama was incensed by Republican Presidential candidate John McCain’s campaign strategy that they ‘are for change’.

This, according to Obama, is what he and his team had been saying all along and found McCain’s hitchhiking of his campaign drive a bit on the ham side.

The comment explains itself quite clearly. It was the first thing that came to mind upon reading the campaign strategy used by Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Regional development and Youth Affairs, Hlobsile Ndlovu.

Ndlovu is also the out-going Member of Parliament for Pigg’s Peak and she is currently trying rather too hard to make sure she does not lose her seat come next week’s election.

She claims to have been the one behind the introduction of the elderly grants and the payment of educational fees for orphaned and vulnerable children.

Obama said it. Outside whether Hlobi is the person we have to thank for the grants, though I am sure the Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions (SFTU) would have something to say, especially when quoting from their initial list of 27 demands, I am concerned with the continued abuse of the elderly and orphans.

I am extremely concerned and worried how the elderly and orphans just because they do not have a voice of their own, everyone claims to have their interest at heart.

No one is protecting the very people whom they claim they so much desperately want to make their lives better.

Does going around and having people give you their old clothes and blankets constitute doing something worthwhile for the elderly and orphaned? This is all done with the hope that people will notice and believe that you are the person who will save them from poverty. Who is protecting the elderly and orphans?

This was, besides the others, another disappointment from reading the Hlobi campaign strategy. I am yet to appreciate how someone in her position would fail to talk policy but instead join those who are abusing the elderly and orphans by saying they will work for them if elected.

If I had it my way, these are the people who do not deserve a seat in Parliament and should not be voted for. Yes, it includes Hlobi.

I am in full support of the ‘Vote for a Woman’ campaign because it is clear in its objectivity and that is what it is needed. The debate of whether women can actually deliver is still open but at least they are not using the disadvantaged such as the elderly and orphans to push their agenda.

I was particularly impressed but at the same time upset by the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) officials during the visit earlier this year by the FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta.

I was upset because they would not allow the media to listen in when Laporta had a heart to heart chat with some of the children and families that benefit from the UNICEF/Barcelona relationship. I asked one official why they had bothered to invite the press if they would not be allowed to execute its duties fully. We were not allowed to conduct interviews even with the survivors even afterwards.

She explained that they were protecting the children.

"We understand and appreciate how you work and that you are also in a business to make money. You, however, have to understand that these children have suffered some form of abuse and some are HIV positive.

"Some of the areas we have been to are child headed homesteads. While we appreciate that you are professionals in your fields, we have to protect the children at whatever cost.

"You will run with your article, it will be good reading and you would have made your money at the expense of these children," she said.

It was too hot a day to argue further so I let it go. I appreciated how they, despite stepping on the toes of the media as the statement did give the impression that they do not fully trust the local professionals, went out their way to protect the elderly and orphaned.

Again, I say like lipstick on a pig and it is shameless when even seasoned politicians or so I thought lower themselves to such levels of disgust by abusing the underprivileged for their own selfish gain.

Link http://www.times.co.sz/News/1308.html

'VOTERS MANIPULATED BY MP'

Times of Swaziland

11 September 2008

How now Hlobi

By ARTHUR MORDAUNT

PIGG’S PEAK – The gullibility and susceptibility of voters to being manipulated was exposed here yesterday after the area’s outgoing MP told the electorate she was responsible for bringing elderly grants and OVCs fund to the nation.

Even though one might argue that Hlobsile Ndlovu might have just been highlighting achievements of the 8th Parliament of which she was a member, from the reaction to her statements it was obvious that a majority of the crowd believed Ndlovu meant that she had single-handedly brought about these changes.

Adding to the confusion was the fact that Ndlovu said when she ‘brought’ the elderly grants, the aged from her constituency even composed a song about her, which says "Sichamuka nentfombi lemhlophe kangaka" (a reference to her light skinned complexion).

Her supporters, wearing blue t-shirts written kuHLOBIle, took up the song and sang it together with an obviously-on-cloud-nine Ndlovu. She also said she brought money for orphaned and vulnerable children as well as the constitution.

However, not everybody believed these statements as another group started challenging the outgoing MP’s utterances saying she was peddling falsehoods. This sparked a war of words from Ndlovu’s supporters who hurled unpalatable words at this group and gave them degrading terms. One of the challengers even shouted that "nitsengisa lelive (you are betraying the country).

Records show that these funds were announced by His Majesty King Mswati III at different times when he was officially opening Parliament.

From her statements, it was obvious that Ndlovu was convinced she was poised for another term.

"Angitsembe angeke ningente loku lenangenta kona kucala (I’m sure you won’t let me down like before). You elected me and then never gave me the support I needed. I had to go around looking for the electorate to tell me what they wanted from me. I even had to meet people during council meetings. That’s why we were not even successful in addressing the issue of high rates in this town for the poor. I certainly hope we won’t fall in the same trap this time around," said a convinced Ndlovu.

Wearing the same t-shirt as her supporters, the Deputy Minister chanted slogans in obvious reference to herself.

‘Sitsi kunjani?’ she would ask. ‘Kuhlobile,’ her supporters would reply.

Ndlovu then told the people from Pigg’s Peak that she was telling other voters in the chiefdoms under her constituency that the people of Pigg’s Peak needed them to vote for her into Parliament.

She faces tough competition

PIGG’S PEAK – Outgoing Pigg’s Peak MP Hlobsile Ndlovu faces stiff competition from one Themba Mavimbela in the race to Parliament.

Ndlovu, a Deputy Minister in the Regional Development and Youth Affairs portfolio, is running for another term.

However, Mavimbela, a self employed charismatic man of Bulembu has challenged that.

"A wise man changes his mind. If you came here with a candidate already in mind, simply change your mind and vote for somebody new who’ll deliver. I’ve voted for the past three Parliamentarians but nothing has changed for the better in Pigg’s Peak. Instead, the economy has gone down," he said.

He said this time around, they should take an Inkalakatha to Parliament. The people received him well and the women ululated.

One woman went against the tide and asked Mavimbela why they should vote for him when he is self-employed. The aspiring MP said he had devoted his time and life for the improvement of Pigg’s Peak. Others did not ask him questions but simply endorsed him.

"Please, just don’t do like others we have elected before you who left us and never returned here," warned another man.

Other aspiring MPs are Jabulani Dlamini, a born again Christian who encouraged the people to trust in God. He said one could have a plan, but if it did not have God’s blessings, it was bound to fail. He said it was for that reason that he had no promises for the people but was leaving everything to the Almighty. He was dismissed without questions.

Musa Mkhonto of Nginamadvolo was another contender. He is the only one among the candidates who spoke matters of policy including education, health and justice.

The other candidates were Stadium Tsabedze and Albert Dlamini.

Link http://www.times.co.sz/News/1304.html