BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI – The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) has launched Khuluma, a whistleblowing mechanism giving employees, licensees, contractors, consumers and the public a confidential channel to report suspected fraud, abuse of position, mismanagement and other misconduct.
The initiative, launched under the theme “Khuluma for Integrity”, introduces a toll-free reporting line, 800 100 9, as ESCCOM moves to strengthen accountability and ethical conduct within the regulator.
Reports are handled through an independent third-party channel managed by SNG Grant Thornton, with the arrangement designed to protect whistleblowers’ identities.
ESCCOM Acting Chief Executive Ozzie Thakath said reporting wrongdoing should be viewed as a responsibility rather than betrayal.
“Reporting wrongdoing is not betrayal; it is an act of loyalty to the organisation, the sector and Eswatini as a whole.”
The regulator said whistleblowers do not need to prove an allegation before reporting it. They only need reasonable grounds for concern and relevant information, including the background of the matter, key dates where available and the reason for raising the concern.
Reportable conduct includes theft or misuse of ESCCOM assets, false accounting, misleading or deceptive information, abuse of position, fraud, malpractice, mismanagement, criminal conduct and other irregular practices.
Those who do not wish to remain anonymous can submit reports through esccom@thecorruptiononline.com.
ESCCOM has also committed to protecting people who report suspected or actual misconduct in good faith.
“In line with the regulator’s Code of Ethics Policy and applicable legislation, no person shall suffer any penalty, retaliation, harassment or informal pressure for reporting suspected or actual misconduct in good faith,” the Commission stated.
The mechanism extends beyond ESCCOM employees, opening the reporting channel to licensees, contractors, consumers and all Emaswati who have legitimate concerns about possible misconduct.
ESCCOM said the initiative is intended to strengthen public confidence in the regulator while promoting a culture in which wrongdoing can be reported safely and responsibly.
The Commission will continue rolling out awareness messaging to educate stakeholders on what to report, when to report and how to use the Khuluma mechanism safely.
The launch places whistleblowing firmly within ESCCOM’s broader governance efforts, with the regulator urging stakeholders to speak up when they have reasonable grounds to suspect wrongdoing.
(Courtesy Pic)
