BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI – As online scammers become increasingly skilled at making fake messages, social media accounts and financial offers appear genuine, the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) has urged the public to keep personal information private to guard against fraud and identity theft.
The warning was delivered during the launch of Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2026 at Botho University, on October 1, 2026, where ESCCOM called for greater vigilance as emaSwati increasingly use digital platforms for communication, education, business and financial transactions.
Representing ESCCOM Assistant Director for Cybersecurity Nokuthula Hlophe, Siboniso Sibandze said Hlophe urged users to protect their passwords, PINs, financial details and other sensitive information.
She said Eswatini was experiencing various forms of online scams, including fake social media accounts, fraudulent promotions, fake loan offers and suspicious messages designed to trick people into surrendering personal or financial information.
Hlophe said the growing sophistication of scams meant that fraudulent messages could easily appear legitimate.
A message may appear to come from someone a user knows, while a fake social media account can be made to resemble that of a trusted organisation. Scammers can also create a sense of urgency to pressure people into acting before checking.
“If someone unexpectedly asks for your password, PIN or personal information, stop and verify,” she said.
She also urged users to confirm the identity of anyone requesting money and to question offers that appear too good to be true.
Hlophe said taking a moment to verify a request could prevent significant financial or personal loss.
The warning comes as digital technology becomes increasingly embedded in everyday life, with emaSwati using online platforms to communicate, study, shop, conduct business and send and receive money.
Hlophe encouraged the public to embrace ESCCOM’s cybersecurity awareness message, “Tivikele: Stay Safe Online,” stressing that cybersecurity was not only the responsibility of technology specialists.
“Cybersecurity is not about being a technical expert. It is about making responsible decisions,” she said.
She said students had a particularly important role because they were among the most active users of digital technology and would become the professionals, entrepreneurs and decision-makers shaping the country’s digital future.
Hlophe encouraged students to take the message beyond the university and share safe digital practices with their families and communities.
The campaign’s practical message is captured in three words: Stay Alert. Think Secure. Act Smart.
Users are encouraged to verify unexpected requests, pause before clicking or sharing information, confirm transactions before sending money and report suspicious activity.
Hlophe said these habits should become part of everyday digital behaviour rather than being limited to Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
“Before we click, think. Before we share, verify. Before we send money, confirm. Before we trust, check,” she said.
The launch brought together ESCCOM, MTN Eswatini and Botho University in an effort to strengthen cybersecurity awareness and promote responsible use of technology.
As Eswatini’s digital space continues to expand, ESCCOM’s message is clear: personal information is valuable, and protecting it starts with thinking before trusting.
