BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo has reiterated the existence of a cabal working to frustrate government operations and hinder its ability to fulfill its mandate.
Nxumalo stated that, through his experience in public administration, having served in various ministries, including Foreign Affairs and Natural Resources—he had encountered multiple layers of this cabal. He explained that some cabal members deliberately attempt to outshine government officials, knowing that the current administration may not return for another term.
This, he suggested, raises questions about whether term limits for government officials were a mistake, as the cabal operates with the expectation that those in power will not be around in the next term, thereby advancing their own interests.
On March 17, 2025, Prime Minister Russell Dlamini reinforced these claims while addressing senators during the 2024/25 Annual Performance Debate for the Private and Cabinet Offices. He informed legislators that intelligence investigations had uncovered concrete evidence of the cabal’s influence. Dlamini further revealed that some parliamentarians were being manipulated—some knowingly, while others were unaware of their involvement.
Senator Siphelele Mkhonta pressed the Prime Minister to name individuals linked to the alleged cabal, arguing that such claims affected all parliamentarians, including princes, princesses, chiefs, and elected MPs. Mkhonta questioned how such an esteemed institution could be controlled by a cabal.
Senator Lindiwe Ngwenya echoed Mkhonta’s concerns, urging the Prime Minister to clarify his statements.
In response, Dlamini assured senators that the Private and Cabinet Offices had access to privileged intelligence not available to other institutions. He insisted that his claims were backed by credible sources and that some cabal members were aware of being monitored, while others were not.
The premier urged lawmakers to acknowledge the reality of the cabal’s existence in the country.
