By Tendai Guvamombe
As the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) prepares for its decisive Extraordinary Session in Midrand, the candidacy of Senator Tony Sibandze from the Kingdom of Eswatini has emerged as a beacon of stability and results-oriented leadership. Running for the position of 4th Vice President, Sibandze is not merely offering a vision; he is presenting a proven blueprint to advance the key objectives of the institution.
A Manifesto Grounded in Financial Sovereignty
At the heart of Senator Sibandze’s campaign is a “Results-Driven Agenda” designed to tackle the most pressing issue facing African legislators: the “COVID-era lockdown budget.” PAP has long been stifled by a constrained financial framework that limits its oversight capacity. Sibandze’s primary commitment is to lead high-level engagements with the AU’s F15 and the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC) to restore funding to pre-2019 levels.
His strategy focuses on:
- Predictable Funding: Ring-fencing budgets for Committees to ensure they can conduct independent oversight and inquiries.
- Member Welfare: Guaranteeing the timely payment of allowances as mandated by Article 10 of the PAP Protocol.
- Institutional Growth: Ending “forced joint sittings” and filling critical staffing gaps through merit-based recruitment.
Why African Legislators Should Vote for Hon. Sibandze
African legislators are seeking a leader who understands the intricate machinery of the African Union. Senator Sibandze stands out because he combines legislative expertise with business acumen. As the current Chairperson of the Senate Finance Committee in Eswatini and Rapporteur for PAP’s Committee on Monetary and Financial Affairs, he has already been in the “engine room” of the continent’s financial planning.
1. Institutional Access: Unlike a newcomer, Sibandze has already directly engaged AU organs in defense of PAP’s operational priorities. He knows who to talk to and how to navigate the AU system to deliver concrete outcomes.
2. Ethical Leadership: His track record in Eswatini—marked by high-profile instances of recusing himself from deliberations where he had business interests—demonstrates an uncompromising commitment to accountability and transparency.
3. Regional Representation: Representing the Southern African Caucus, Sibandze offers a balanced, inclusive approach that seeks to leverage regional experiences to benefit all 55 AU Member States.
In his first 100 days, Sibandze promises immediate, visible progress. For a Parliament that seeks to evolve from an advisory body into a respected legislative powerhouse, Senator Tony Sibandze is the clear choice to translate African aspirations into reality.