BY MBONO MDLULI
LOBAMBA – Members of Parliament are expected to engage in the National Budget Speech Debate this coming Wednesday, following a decision to allow legislators more time to study the document.
This was announced on Monday, 2 March 2026, by House of Assembly Speaker Jabulani Mabuza during a sitting in the House. The Speaker explained that the National Budget was tabled last Friday by Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg, and Members of Parliament had only had the weekend to review the document.
Mabuza said it would be fair and procedurally sound to allow MPs additional working days to prepare adequately for the debate.
“The only days that were available to Members to study the Budget Speech were the weekend,” he said. “According to parliamentary procedure, Members must be afforded working days in between to prepare for such an important debate.”
He confirmed that the House would reconvene on Wednesday at 2pm for the Budget Debate, allowing Members sufficient time to analyse the proposals and prepare their contributions.
In other business, various Ministers tabled their respective annual performance reports. Some Ministers also presented reports on behalf of colleagues who were unable to attend the Monday sitting due to other national commitments. The tabling of these reports forms part of Parliament’s oversight role in assessing Government performance and accountability.
On a sombre note, the Speaker announced the passing of former Manzini South Member of Parliament Maria Ntshangase.
Mabuza described Ntshangase as one of the former legislators who played a vital role in nation-building during her tenure in Parliament. He called on Members to observe a moment of silence in honour of her contribution to the country.
He further extended condolences to the Ntshangase family, friends and relatives, as well as to the nation at large.
“This is an unfortunate moment,” he said, expressing hope that God would grant the family comfort and strength during this difficult time.
The Deputy Prime Minister subsequently moved for the adjournment of the House until Wednesday at 2:30pm, when the much-anticipated Budget Debate is scheduled to take centre stage.
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