…offenders can face arrest under cybercrime laws.….
… emswati are urged to protect PINs, passwords and personal information…
…consumers should read contracts and report unfair charges or inappropriate content…
BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MBABANE – A social media post intended to embarrass, shame or expose another person may seem like a harmless way of settling a personal dispute, but the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) is warning Emaswati that such actions can cross the line into criminal conduct.
The commission has urged the public to think twice before using technology to harass, humiliate or maliciously expose others, stressing that cyberbullying is a crime under Eswatini’s cybercrime legislation.
Speaking during an interview on Eswatini TV’s Kusile Breakfast Show on 27 August 2026, ESCCOM Manager of Consumer Fair and Communications Officer Fisiwe Vilane said cyberbullying remains a concern affecting both children and adults.
Vilane said the commission receives reports of cyberbullying incidents from schools, while similar behaviour is also experienced among adults, particularly when social media is used to settle personal disputes.
She gave examples of people publicly exposing individuals over unpaid debts or maintenance obligations, warning that using social media with malicious intent can have serious consequences.
“We discourage it because, in terms of the Cybersecurity Act, Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act of 2022, it is actually a crime, and people can actually get arrested for it,” Vilane said.
According to Vilane, educating the public about responsible technology use is essential, particularly among young people. She said addressing cyberbullying at an early age could help promote healthier digital behaviour and contribute to raising more responsible adults.
Beyond cyberbullying, ESCCOM is also concerned about online fraud, scams and sexual offences committed through technology. The commission is therefore encouraging Emaswati to become more vigilant about the information they share online.
Vilane said responsible technology use begins with protecting sensitive information such as PINs and passwords.
She warned that people often overshare their lifestyles, locations, interests and personal activities on social media, potentially giving scammers information they can use to target them.
The commission also advised consumers to remember that banks and legitimate service providers should not ask for sensitive personal information, particularly over the phone.
Consumer awareness extends beyond cybersecurity. ESCCOM also receives complaints about mobile contracts, unexpected charges, disappearing airtime and inappropriate content on television and radio.
Vilane encouraged consumers to understand what they are purchasing, read contracts carefully and ask service providers for clear information about charges.
She further urged the public to report inappropriate broadcasting content to ESCCOM, noting that consumers have a role to play in helping the regulator maintain responsible communication services.
As Eswatini continues to embrace digital technology, ESCCOM’s message is clear: technology should empower people, not become a weapon for harassment, fraud or abuse.
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(Courtesy Pic)
