– Nxumalo’s Contract Renewed today, Placed on Leave Pending Court Case
By Mbongeni Ndlela
MBABANE – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has confirmed the renewal of Alpheous Nxumalo’s contract as Government Spokesperson following the lapse of his previous term in May 2025.
In a press statement issued this evening by CSC Chairman Simanga Mamba, the Commission revealed that Nxumalo’s renewal was legally processed earlier this year, before his criminal charges in April 2025. The offer of renewal was made in February 2025, three months before the contract expired, and was accepted by Nxumalo.
According to the CSC, the decision was guided by the following:
• The Ministry in charge had formally recommended Nxumalo’s contract renewal.
• Nxumalo had a legitimate expectation to resume duties, having already received and accepted the renewal notice.
• Nxumalo is legally presumed innocent until proven guilty, and therefore the Commission could not lawfully withdraw the offer.
However, in keeping with General Orders, Nxumalo will not immediately resume duties. Instead, he has been placed on leave of absence until the conclusion of his criminal proceedings. This ensures compliance with the law, which requires civil servants facing criminal charges to be suspended until their cases are finalized.
“The Commission will await the outcome of the criminal proceedings to determine the future of Mr Nxumalo in the Civil Service,” the statement reads.
Nxumalo previously left office in May 2025 when his earlier contract lapsed. In his absence, Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli has been handling communications.
The renewal signals that while Nxumalo remains formally under contract, his return to active duty will depend on the outcome of the pending court case.
(Courtesy Pic)
