The Commonwealth Secretariat, in partnership with the Chandler Institute for Justice, is conducting a capacity-building programme on legislative drafting and law reform for the Kingdom of Eswatini’s Attorney General’s Office, which sits within the Ministry of Justice.
The four-day training, which is being held in Mbabane until 5 December 2025, brings together 32 legislative drafters, law commissioners and legal advisers from across government. The initiative supports Eswatini’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the rule of law, enhance governance systems and ensure that national legislation is clear and accessible.
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In his speech at the opening of the workshop, Eswatini’s Attorney General, Hon Sifiso Mashampu Khumalo, underscored the partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the importance of strong legislative drafting skills. He said:
“The presence of the Commonwealth in the Kingdom of Eswatini here today is testament to the enduring partnership between the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Kingdom of Eswatini. The Kingdom is undertaking significant reforms to strengthen the rule of law. At the heart of this process is our commitment to justice and the rule of law.
“It is imperative to craft clear and sound legislation that aligns with the Constitution and legislative standards. A law that cannot be understood is not just a bad law – it fails the test of legality. Clear laws are a prerequisite for good governance and economic stability.”
In his visit during the workshop, Eswatini's Minister of Justice, HRH Prince Simelane, also expressed his thanks to the Commonwealth Secretariat for extending technical support to Eswatini's legal professionals.
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Supporting excellence in public service
Dr Elizabeth Macharia, Acting Head of the Rule of Law Section, highlighted the collaborative spirit at the heart of the initiative.
Reflecting on Eswatini’s landscape, Dr Macharia emphasised the vital importance of the work of legislative drafters and encouraged the participants to embrace the opportunity to upskill:
“Drafting is much like hill climbing: some tasks are swift, others will test your endurance, and many require the steady skill of seasoned climbers. But each time you reach the summit and the fog clears, you see the terrain you have conquered. Today is a pit stop—an opportunity to refuel, re-skill and prepare for the next ascent.”
She reaffirmed the Commonwealth Secretariat’s readiness to respond to the requests of member states.
In his remarks, Ron Chari, Executive Director of the Chandler Institute for Justice, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to strengthening professional capacity within public institutions:
“We are honoured to stand with the Commonwealth and the Government of Eswatini in advancing high-quality legislative drafting. Strong laws are the backbone of effective governance, and investing in the people who craft them is one of the most impactful commitments a country can make.”
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Expert-led training for long-term impact
The workshop is being facilitated by legal consultants, Gad Awounda and Dr Johnson Okello, who is also the President of the Commonwealth Association of Legislative Counsel (CALC). The participants will benefit from practical exercises as well as exposure to best practice drafting techniques and approaches to systematic law reform.
By building expertise and strengthening collaboration across ministries, the programme aims to support Eswatini’s broader reform agenda and contribute to a more stable, effective and accountable society.
Media contact
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Snober Abbasi, Senior Communications Officer, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
