1. Cabinet Approves Government Mission statement for the Kingdom
2. South African High Commission assists Swaziland to curb cattle rustling
3. His Majesty says efficient and reliable communication is the key to development
4. The Premier praises His Majesty for his active role in the development of the Kingdom
5. Minister for Natural Resources and Energy returns from Lesotho
6. Government encourages sugar cane growing in the Kingdom
7. Ministry for Tourism and Communication to improve communication in the country
8. National dairy development plan on the pipeline
9. Minister for finance leads a delegation to African Development Bank
10. Savings and credit association calls on the Minister of Agriculture & cooperatives
11. Workshop on improving code of conduct for civil servants
12. Notice to all Civil Service Pensioners
13. Weekly schedule for Hon. Ministers
14. Weekly schedule for Principal Secretaries

A number of targets in the Economic and Social Reform Agenda (ESRA) are contained in the Public Sector Management Programme. One such target is the strategic planning exercise for each Ministry which is to be completed by the end of next year. A preliminary and essential step in this process is the preparation of a mission statement for each Ministry by 30th June 1997. This statement represents a declaration of the organization's fundamental purpose, how it sees itself and what it wishes to do. It is a statement of intent and should outline the proposed strategies at the highest level of generality.

The Public Sector Management Programme is to include a brief workshop for this in June to assist in drawing up mission statements in a standardised format. In the meantime, Cabinet has approved an overall mission statement for Government itself, to be circulated to Ministries. It reads as follows:

"The Mission Statement of the Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland is to provide a climate and infrastructure that will progressively maximise the quality and security of life of the people of Swaziland and make the best use of the country's natural and human resources."

SOUTH AFRICAN HIGH COMMISSION ASSISTS SWAZILAND TO CURB CATTLE RUSTLING

The South African High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr Walter Louw is expected to present equipment (a computer system) to the Minister of Agriculture & Cooperatives Chief Dambuza II. The presentation will be held in the Ministry of Agriculture and it is hoped that this set of equipment will greatly assist the Government to monitor and curb cattle rustling in the country. This follows a request by the Government in 1996 for technical and financial support in revising the "branding" requirements as stipulated in the Livestock Act.

This project comprises two main parts, namely (i) the drafting of legislation and (ii) "marking equipment". In essence, the draft legislation makes provision for all livestock in the country to be permanently marked in three areas, namely:Country Identification, Dip Tank Number and Owners Personnel Mark.

Marking in such a manner is seen to have a number of benefits and applications. Immediate identification of livestock can be made to to indicate the country of origin (country mark), the area in Swaziland from which the livestock originates (dip tank number) and the individual owner. It is expected that project will in due course assist the police in cases of suspected stock theft, motor accidents, stray animals and other related cases. Further, it will assist the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives in controlling the spread of animal disease in that the exact place of origin can be immediately determined. It is hoped that with this project, the Government will be assisted in safeguarding and protecting the Swazi herds.

Specifically, The South African High Commissioner is expected to present four complete sets of marking equipment, comprising branding irons, branding stoves, tattoo characters, and immobilizers. These will be distributed to the four regions in Swaziland in due course.

In addition, the South African High Commissioner is expected to provide a computer system for purposes of registering identification marks. The computer system will ensure that identical brand marks are not registered in more than one person's name and will keep a record of all brands registered. The advantage of this system is that a permanent record can be kept of all brands registered in Swaziland which, in turn, will assist the police and other related authorities in tracing ownership and origin of all Swazi stock.

HIS MAJESTY SAYS EFFICIENT AND RELIABLE COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY TO DEVELOPMENT

His Majesty King Mswati III was speaking on Monday, 19 May 1997 during the official opening of the African Communication Conference which was held at the Convention Centre, Ezulwini. His Majesty observed that Africa cannot be left behind in the field of communication if she wants to follow the current trends of development. Following is a full text of His Majesty's speech:

"Let me begin, on behalf of Her Majesty the Indlovukazi, the Government and the whole Swazi Nation, by extending a warm welcome to all our distinguished visitors to the Kingdom.

We are delighted that you have chosen Swaziland as the venue for this vitally important conference and we hope that you will have an enjoyable and productive stay with us.

For most, this will be your first visit to the Kingdom and we sincerely hope that you will have at least some time away from business to do a little sight-seeing, and-of course!-to spend a lot of money.

When I first met Doctor Akwule, I was immediately impressed with his vision for the development of communications throughout Africa, and for the sharing of experiences and ideas among Africans and our International friends and partners, on Telecommunications, Broadcasting and Information Technology.

We agreed that, in very simple terms, Africa cannot afford to be left behind in the field of communications, as the rest of the world gains the benefit of the extraordinary advances that have been made in the past few years.

Modern day communications in all its forms-from the simple call box in the Rural Area which connects two people, to the marvel of the "INTERNET" system which connects millions-is a vital element in the lives of all of us.

But it has special significance for those of us in the development world, because rapid development in communications can have such a positive effect on the overall economy of a country, and on the quality of life of its peoples.

This explains to me the importance of AFCOM and the principles behind it, and why we are so pleased to host the conference here in Swaziland.

One particularly important aspect of AFCOM for Swaziland will be the opportunity to exchange information on a whole range of issues with the industry experts.

We appreciate the need for rapid development in all areas of communication within the Kingdom, and we are aware of how vital it is to be able to provide efficient, reliable means of communication for our business people. We are committed to providing this as an investment attraction to companies looking to invest in the regions, and who wish to take advantage of the other, excellent incentives we offer.

I know that there will be special interest among our technical experts in the presentations from those representing the cellular phone industry. We have heard already that our government is committed to introducing a cellular network into the Kingdom by the end of this year. Clearly, this will have a very positive effect on our business community, and our capacity to attract investment.

But of course, only a very small percentage of our population will be able to afford cellular technology, and the vast majority of Swazis are still looking forward to having access to efficient, reliable line telephones. That is why we are so committed to improving our overall capacity to bring the means of communication to all our people.

This commitment to serving the interests of all our people is the principle which has guided us throughout our history and which has guaranteed our stability and peace. We rely on consultation with the whole nation on issues of importance and, obviously, the capacity for honest communication between us is the key.

We are engaged in such a process at this moment: indeed, it is one that has vital significance for our future. The nation is debating our constitution and will be reviewing together, our kingdom's defining document over the coming months.

Communication between Swazis is absolutely central to this and all our national consultation exercises; from gatherings of our rural communities under their local constituencies, to educational programmes on television and radio, it is efficient communication which will ensure our success.

We are confident that we will achieve a result that will serve the nation well for generations to come, and will ensure a secure and productive environment for business to prosper.

I am very much looking forward to viewing the various displays from the companies and businesses represented here. I confess to having a keen interest in computers but I am all too aware that I am being overtaken by Swazi kids in their understanding of all the new technology available today.

The Kingdom has begun to embrace the INTERNET, and we have our own page of information on life and developments in the Kingdom. Not enough Swazis yet understand the benefits of this marvellous new communications tool, but I am sure that this AFCOM conference will stimulate interest and discussion amongst us.

I want to conclude now by once more thanking AFCOM- and in particular Doctor Akwule-for bringing this conference to Swaziland. I commend you for the excellent work you are doing on behalf of Africa and her people.

I wish you all a most successful time in the Kingdom and you are always welcome to return with business and as our guests."

THE PREMIER PRAISES HIS MAJESTY FOR HIS ACTIVE ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE KINGDOM

The Premier highlighted the role played by His Majesty in the development of the Kingdom. He made these remarks on Monday , 19 May 1997 during the official opening of the AFCOM'97 conference. The Premier's speech is as follows:

"First of all let me take this opportunity to say how privileged we are to have his Majesty King Mswati III who has graciously agreed to open this 6th AFCOM meeting here in Swaziland.

On behalf of His Majesty's Government, I add my voice in welcoming all distinguished delegates who have chosen to come to Swaziland for this conference.

Your Majesty, I place on record our profound gratitude to Professor Akwule for his hardwork in recognising the importance of developing Telecommunications and Broadcasting Technologies in the African continent. It is important to note that although Professor Akwule has spent many years working in the United States of America, he has not forgotten his mother continent Africa.

Your Majesty, you have been in the fore front in seeking the best opportunities for developing your Kingdom and uplifting the standard of living of the Swazi people. The development of the country's infrastructure is a major component in attracting both international and local investors to Swaziland who provide job opportunities. Your Government is focusing on telecommunications development as one important dimension of infrastructural development.

Your Majesty, I am informed that some of the technologies that will be displayed and discussed at AFCOM'97 include, cellular, (both mobile and fixed) very small arture terminals, Internet Technologies, Satellite Technologies, Global Mobile Personal Communications Services Technology and a variety of wireless communications technologies.

I hope your Majesty will have the opportunity to view some of these exhibits which will be on display during AFCOM'97. I now have the pleasure to invite your Majesty to address your Nation and officially open AFCOM'97."

MINISTER FOR NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY RETURNS FROM LESOTHO

The Minister for Natural Resources and Energy, Majahenkhaba Dlamini returned this week from Maseru, Lesotho where he attended the SADC Sectoral Committee Meeting of Ministers conference.

The meeting was a follow up to the SADC-EU Ministerial Conference which was held in Windhoek, Namibia in October, 1996 where it was agreed that the topic of the SADC-EU thematic conference would be "Management of Shared River Basins". The SADC countries have now realised that access to water is one of the major issues governments of various regions will have to address if they are to avert serious problems in the early 21st century. Development and management of water resources has therefore been identified as one of the priorities for detailed discussion.

The Ministerial Conference was preceded by the Water Resources Technical Committee meeting which was held on Monday May 19 to prepare for the Ministers' meeting. The officials that attended the Technical Committee meetings included:

1. Robert Thabede- Senior Water Engineer
2. Melvyn Mayisela - Planning Engineer
3. Miss Nokuhle Madolo- Legal Advisor

GOVERNMENT ENCOURAGES SUGAR CANE GROWING IN THE KINGDOM

At least over twenty farmers from the kaNgcamphalala area, near Siphofaneni have visited the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives in Mbabane recently with a view of getting first hand information about the proposed Lower Usuthu Basin Irrigation Project. The visit was prompted by reports that their area was going to be used for the cultivation of sugar.

The Ministry informed the chief of the area and the farmers that the main thrust of the project was to promote smallholder irrigation which is going to be dominated by sugar cane growing which appears to be the most profitable crop at current projections.

A pre-feasibility study that was completed in November 1996 indicated that 14 000 hectares would be developed and a 150 million Cubic metre (MCM) dam will be constructed at Bhovane in the Mhlatuzane river towards St. Phillips. The overall cost of this project is estimated at between E225 million and E242 million.

Eight internationally reputable companies have already tendered for undertaking the feasibility study and the Ministry of Agriculture is expecting to receive tenders by the end of May 1997, after which a selection process will begin.

The farmers were also advised that the project is not intended to destroy existing developments in the project area but aims at complementing such activities.

The Ministry Officials assured the Ngcamphalala community that they will keep them informed about the latest development of the project. The Ministry assured them that the policy of the Government is to develop people from the grassroots level.

The prefeasibility and feasibility studies are financially supported by the European Union.

STRATEGIC PARTNER SOUGHT TO INTRODUCE CELLULAR PHONES IN THE COUNTRY

The Minister for Tourism and Communication MP Musa Nkambule has pointed out that, the Swaziland Posts and Telecommunications Corporation will need a strategic partner (s) to invest in both the fixed and mobile networks. The Minister was speaking on Monday, May 19, at the Convention Centre at Ezulwini during the official opening of the 6th AFCOM'97 conference by His Majesty King Mswati III.

The Minister thanked AFCOM International, who are organisers of the conference for having trust in the Kingdom of Swaziland by bringing a conference of this magnitude into the country.

The Telecommunications and Broadcasting conference came at the right time when the Government is in the process of improving Telecommunications Services, both nationally and internationally, he said.

The Minister observed that, there is a need to exchange ideas in the development of Telecommunications and Broadcasting Technologies and services, if we are to effectively be abreast with events in the world.

It is against this background that Swaziland intends to have introduced cellular phones before the end of the year. However, he said that Government will not rush the process, as she is aware of the consequences of such action.

He also said it is Government's objective to improve the quality and accessibility of the telecommunications network and services. However, he said that in order to achieve this objective, the Swaziland Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (SPTC), will require a strategic partner(s) to invest in both the fixed and mobile networks.

The Ministry of Tourism and Communication will be issuing request for proposals (RFP) to be used in the selection of the strategic partner and Swazis will have a chance to buy shares in this project.

NATIONAL DAIRY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ON THE PIPELINE

A Mission from the FAO Investment Centre (IC) visited Swaziland from 21st April to 2nd May 1997 to collaborate in finalizing the preparation of the National Dairy Development Plan (NDDP) for Swaziland. The NDDP includes preliminary investment proposals over the next 10 years. The IC Mission was to review these proposals and lay the ground work for their formulation, with IC Assistance, into a Bankable Investment Programme.

The mission worked closely with the Director and Staff of the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC). The mission also attended a meeting of the Dairy Task Force (Project Steering Committee) and they also held discussions with the Executive Director of the Enterprise Fund; the Agricultural loans officer of Swazi Bank and the rural development officer at the United Nations Development Programmes (UND) in Swaziland.

The mission reviewed the draft "Preliminary Investment Programme" and made comments which have been included in the final NDDP document. The document has identified 6 projects for possible investment which will form a valuable basis for the preparation of a fully fledged dairy investment programme. The proposed projects are as follows:

• The privatisation of the Matsapha Dairy Plant
• Support to Smallholder Milk Collection and Marketing Groups
• Establishment of a Milk Production Loan Scheme
• The strengthening of Dairy Support Services
• The Establishment of Small Scale Dairy Processing Plants.

The Dairy Task Force gave priority to the first two projects as they are already ongoing and form part of ESRA. It is expected that the Investment Centre (IC) Pre-Formulation mission in July 1997 will give full attention to the latter 4 projects which are focused on the Development of Smallholder Milk Production and Marketing.

MINISTER FOR FINANCE LEADS A DELEGATION TO THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

The annual meetings of the Board of Governors of the African Development Bank and the African Development Fund is scheduled to take place in Abidjan, Cote D'ivoire (Ivory Coast) from the 28th to 30th May. These meetings are an occasion for Governors to review the progress and problems of the Bank, they also provide the Bank with an opportunity to discuss with Governors the status of implementation of on-going projects financed by the Bank Group as well as to review issues surrounding the preparation of projects being considered for financing.

a)The Bank Group has to-date approved twenty-eight (28) loans and seven (7) grants for the financing of twenty (20) lines of credit and seven (7) studies in Swaziland. Total commitments as at 30 April, 1997 stand at UA 187.24 million of which UA 132.77 million (71%) is from ADB resources while UA 49.48 million (26%) and UA 5.0 million (3%) are from ADF/TAF and NTF resources respectively.

b)The Transport sector has received the largest share of this financing (62%), followed by Public Utilities (13%) Social Sector (11%), Agriculture (9%) and Industry (5%). The overall disbursement rate is about 53%. Cumulative disbursements from ADB, ADF/TAF and NTF loans currently stand at 43.06%, 67.72% and 100% respectively. Of the approved operation, sixteen (16) projects and five (5) studies have been successfully completed.

c)The Bank Group's lending strategy for Swaziland aims to promote sustainable economic growth and development by providing support in key sectors prioritized under the Government's adjustment efforts. The lending strategy will continue to take into account the country's institutional and human resources weaknesses, the need to support the country's industrial potential, and Government's commitment to create an enabling environment for increased private sector investment.

On the Bank's policies, the bank has recently made a decision to avail Rand-denominated loans to regional member countries, This is commendable given Swaziland's strong trade links with South Africa and that our currency-Lilangeni, is at par with the Rand. Rand borrowings could be more attractive to the Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland in minimising the foreign exchange risks of borrowing operations.

The Minister for Finance's Themba N. Masuku. The delegation includes:

1. Dumisane Masango-Minister for Public Works and Transport
2. Ms. Musa D. Fakudze-Principal Secretary, Finance
3. Mr. Evart Madlopha- Principal Secretary, Public Works & Transport
4. Mrs. Tibobo J. Dlamini-Under Secretary, Economic Planning and Development
5. Mr. Elias Masilela-Senior Economist, Central Bank of Swaziland
6. Ms. Nomfundo C. Msibi-Senior Assistant Secretary, Finance
7. Ms. Chazile M. Magongo-Planner, Public Works and Transport

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SAVINGS AND CREDIT ASSOCIATION CALLS ON THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND COOPERATIVES

A delegation comprising members of the African Confederation of Cooperative Savings and Credit Associations (ACCOSCA) based in Nairobi, Kenya and the Swaziland Association of Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SASCCO) based in Mbabane Swaziland paid a courtesy call on the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Chief Dambuza II to brief him on the preparations towards the 14th ACCOSCA Educational conference and Biannual meeting to be held in Swaziland in August, 1997. This international meeting, will be attended by guests from Canada, Finland, Netherlands, Sweden, Ireland and other countries. ACCOSCA is a continental Apex Organisation (body) for Savings and Credit Cooperatives Societies in Africa that was establised in 1968. Its membership comprises national savings and credit cooperatives in Africa. Presently, it has a membership of twenty eight countries. ACCOSA is also affiliated to the World Organisation of credit unions (WOCU).

The delegation noted with appreciation that Swaziland had agreed to host this important meeting, and that preparations for the occasion were at an advanced stage.

The Honourable Minister thanked the delegation for the brief visit and assured them that his Ministry and His Majesty's Government would do everything possible to ensure that the preparations for the 14th Biannual Conference is a success. Further, the Minister said that his Ministry and the Swaziland Government will do everything within its powers to support and promote the cooperative movement in this country. He thanked the Association for giving Swaziland a chance to host an international conference of this magnitude.

WORKSHOP ON IMPROVING CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CIVIL SERVANTS

The Ministry of Public Service and Information will be running a workshop on improving the code of conduct for civil servants at the Swaziland Institute of Management and Public Administration (SIMPA) from the 26th to 28th May, 1997. Participants to this workshop will include Principal Secretaries, Heads of Department as well as members of the National Association of Civil Servants.

NOTICE TO ALL CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONERS

The Public Service Pension Fund is advising all pensioners to now fill up a Yellow Certificate which has been issued by the Fund Headquaters to all pension recipients. The purpose of this certificate is to find out if the recipients of the fund are still alive. The office advises pensioners to sign these Certificates with the Commissioners of Oath in their localities so that they can establish whether or not the recipients are still alive.

Also, those dependents who receive pension benefits are now required to certify the certificates per child. The fund has warned pensioners that failure to adhere to this new procedure will result in the pensioners not receiving their July 1997 pension benefits. The Fund has also appealed to the Executive of Pensioners Association to accordingly inform their members about this requirement.

WEEKLY SCHEDULE FOR MINISTERS
Monday 26 May 1997
TOURISM AND COMMUNICATION
The Minister will be attending the 4th ordinary meeting of the African
Satellite Communication System (RASCOM).
Hon. Nkambule will also attend the continuation of the AFCOM meeting in
Johannesburg, specifically for the Internet training, to be held at the World
Trade Centre. The Internet training starts on Monday, 26 May 1997.
WORKS AND TRANSPORT
The Minister will be in Abidjan for the whole week to attend the 1997
Africa Development Bank Annual Board meetings.
FINANCE
The Minister will be in Abidjan, for the whole week to attend the 1997
African Development Bank Annual Board meetings.
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WEEKLY SCHEDULE FOR PRINCIPAL SECRETARIES

Monday 26 May 1997
FINANCE
The PS will be attending the African Development Bank meetings. She will be
out of the country for the whole week.
WORKS AND TRANSPORT
The PS will be attending the African Development Bank Meeting for the whole
week in Abidjan.
ECONOMIC PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
The Principal Secretary will be involved in the following activities:
Tender Opening: Lower Usuthu feasibility study.
He will also attend a workshop at SIMPA on improving ethical behaviour in
the Civil Service.
Review of the German Agency & Technical Cooperation Financing Programme.
PUBLIC SERVICE AND INFORMATION
Attending Civil Servants workshop at SIMPA from the 26 May to 28 May 1997
Tuesday 27 May 1997
ECONOMIC PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
The Principal Secretary will attend the Uniswa Council meeting -
Kwaluseni
Wednesday 28 May 1997
ECONOMIC PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Office appointments.
Shape Board Meeting.
Thursday 29 May 1997
ECONOMIC PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
PS will meet an ODA delegation which will be in the country to review the
Public Enterprise Unit.
He will also have a meeting on AIDS with the Ministry of Health and Social
Welfare and the Ministry of Education.
Friday 30 May 1997
ECONOMIC PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
He will be involved in the intense monitoring of population census and the
NDS process.

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EDITORIAL

At a Consultative meeting on the formulation of Communication Policies and the setting up of a National News Agency in Swaziland held at the University of Swaziland in April 1992, the Code of Ethics of the Journalists of Swaziland were inscribed by the journalists as quoted herein:-

"The Swaziland journalists believe the duty of journalists is to serve the truth.

1. Respect for truth and for the right of the public to truth is the first duty of the journalist.

1. Freedom of the press is to be guarded as a vital right of mankind. It is the unquestionable right to discuss whatever is not forbidden by law, including the wisdom of any restrictive statute.
2. Freedom from all obligations except that of fidelity to the public interest is vital.
3. Promotion of any private interest contrary to the general welfare, for whatever reason, is not compatible with honest journalism.
4. Partisanship in editorial comment which knowingly departs from the truth does violate the best spirit of journalism.

1. A journalist shall at all times strive to ensure that the information he/she disseminates is fair and accurate, avoid the expression of comment and conjecture as established fact and falsification by distortion, selection or misrepresentation.