BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Individuals leveraging the names of Their Majesties for corrupt activities must be the first to be arrested and prosecuted, according to Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo.
Speaking in an interview with James Butty from Voice of Africa News, Nxumalo provided insight into His Majesty King Mswati III’s stance on corruption and the steps being taken to combat this challenge. His remarks followed the king’s Speech from the Throne, delivered last Friday during the opening of the Second Session of the 12th Parliament, where the monarch called for the arrest of corrupt individuals and the protection of whistleblowers.
During the interview, Butty questioned Nxumalo about reports that some individuals exploit the king’s name to engage in corrupt dealings, making it difficult to address the issue. In response, Nxumalo made it clear that those misusing the names of Their Majesties should be the primary targets in the fight against corruption.
“The first people that should be arrested, prosecuted, and brought to justice are those committing corruption in the name of the king. Others should follow. If there are individuals found to be involved in corrupt activities while using Their Majesties’ names, they should be the first ones to be dealt with under the laws of Eswatini,” Nxumalo emphasized.
The government spokesperson also acknowledged that corruption is a global issue and not just a challenge unique to Eswatini. However, he highlighted that Eswatini has taken concrete steps to address it, with the king repeatedly calling for action against corruption.
Nxumalo pointed out that this was not the first time the king had spoken out on the matter. During the opening of the First Session of the 12th Parliament, His Majesty also addressed corruption, leading to the formation of the Anti-Corruption Task Force. The task force collaborates closely with the Anti-Corruption Commission to strengthen efforts to eradicate the vice.
Nxumalo further dismissed the notion that corruption in Eswatini was spiraling out of control, arguing that the government remains committed to tackling the issue head-on.
“Eswatini has made a firm decision to fight corruption because it hampers the country’s progress. We are taking decisive action to root it out,” he said.
With the government doubling down on anti-corruption measures, all eyes will be on how these initiatives unfold in the coming months.
