(Commonwealth)_ A capacity-building programme with a duration of four days is currently taking place in Mbabane and will conclude on 5 December 2025. The programme aims at enhancing the skills of Eswatini’s government legal practitioners in drafting legislation. The event will be attended by 32 participants who will include drafters of legislation and law commissioners, as well as legal advisers from various government institutions. It should be noted that this programme aligns with Eswatini’s efforts towards maintaining a strong rule of law and ensuring that its legislation remains clearer and consistent with its constitutional frameworks. The programme will be conducted with the collaboration of the Commonwealth Secretariat via the Office of the Attorney General, which falls within Eswatini’s Ministry of Justice.
Eswatini’s opening session included presentations from Eswatini’s Attorney General, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attorney-General_of_Eswatini, who emphasised that Eswatini has greatly valued its historic relationship with the Commonwealth Secretariat. Eswatini currently finds itself at a pivotal stage in implementing various reforms and strengthening its structure on justice and the rule of law. Effective legislation plays an important role within these operations. Legislation that contains potentially ambiguous and conflicting rules can result, among other effects, in garbled and confusing and ultimately damaging interpretations and standards. Effective legislation needs to be consistent with an Eswatini constitution and with internationally recognised standards on legislation.
During his visit to the training session, the Eswatini Justice Minister, HRH Prince Simelane, on behalf of Eswatini, took the opportunity to express gratitude to the Commonwealth Secretariat for its continued technical cooperation. The message reiterated the need for capacity building within the justice sector and acknowledged the contribution made by the Secretariat towards Eswatini’s overall governance capacity.
The workshop is part of the broader support role played by the Commonwealth Secretariat in helping member nations improve public service delivery. Dr Elizabeth Macharia, an acting Head of the Rule of Law Section, praised the collaborative approach adopted within the project and common determination toward strengthening capabilities within the justice sector. She remembered the position that drafters hold within the legal framework and explained that they need accuracy, resilience, and skills to navigate very intricate policy environments. She encouraged the participants to see the project as an opportunity and equip themselves with skills necessary for responding to the needs within the modern state. The commitment of the Commonwealth Secretariat toward responding to needs within its member nations and helping their development was reiterated.
Contributions were also made by the Chandler Institute for Justice, which was represented by its Executive Director, Ron Chari. He highlighted the commitment shown by the organisation towards developing professionalism and technical expertise within institutions. According to his sentiments, a good law forms the backbone of good governance. It acts as a mechanism that influences decision-making and establishes a stable platform for developments. Investing in people who frame these guidelines will effectively result in an investment within institutions. Facilitating this workshop are expert facilitators and legal consultants, Gad Awounda and Dr Johnson Okello, who is also the President of the Commonwealth Association of Legislative Counsel (CALC). Participants at this workshop will engage in hands-on activities related to law drafting and review internationally recognised best practices. This workshop also trains participants on methods for evaluating and reforming national legislation.
As a result of learning and networking, participants will improve on their professionalism and increase their level of understanding of the complexities associated with lawmaking. Aside from personal skill-building, it also aspires to improve cooperation among various government ministers in the preparation and examination of legislation. The strengthening of communications and common standards within government will enable the programme to support Eswatini’s overall reform agenda and help develop a government and institutional framework that works effectively and prudently within a transparent, accountable, and citizen-responsive framework. It aspires to develop the country’s foundation and eventually build a stable society with better legislation created with focus and relevant to national goals.
