BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – The Eswatini National Association of Journalists (ESNAJ) has strongly condemned what it describes as a growing pattern of attacks against members of the media, following the latest incident involving a senior journalist.
In a statement issued on Saturday, December 20, 2025, ESNAJ expressed grave concern over the attack on senior journalist and Times Weekend Deputy Editor, Mr Mfanukhona Nkambule. The association alleges that the incident involved lawyer Mr Sydney Maseko, marking yet another troubling case of intimidation directed at journalists in the country.
ESNAJ said it was particularly disturbed by Maseko’s decision to publicly post about the incident on social media, an action the association said further aggravated the seriousness of the attack. According to ESNAJ, such conduct is unacceptable and unethical, and reflects an increasingly hostile environment for journalists carrying out their professional duties in Eswatini.
“Journalists have a fundamental right to perform their work without fear, intimidation or abuse,” the association said. “Disagreements with media content should be addressed through dialogue and lawful engagement, in line with Eswatini’s values as a peaceful and democratic nation.”
The association stressed that resorting to personal attacks rather than engaging with the substance of journalistic work undermines democratic principles and infringes on the public’s right to access information. ESNAJ warned that such behaviour poses a direct threat not only to individual journalists, but also to press freedom and personal dignity more broadly.
ESNAJ called on members of the public, professionals and leaders alike to exercise restraint and respect the critical role played by the media in society. It emphasised that journalists serve the public interest by providing information, scrutiny and accountability, all of which are essential to a functioning democracy.
The association further cautioned that continued harassment or attacks against journalists would not be tolerated. ESNAJ said it would take firm action to protect its members, including pursuing legal remedies where necessary, should such violations persist.
This is not an isolated incident. Nkambule’s case is the third recorded case involving journalists within a period of four months. ESNAJ warned that the frequency of these incidents signals a worrying trend that must be addressed urgently.
In September, Eswatini Observer journalist Bongiwe Dlamini was reportedly threatened by Cuddle Puddle manager Horst Sayler following her coverage of a drowning incident at the Cuddle Puddle facility in Ezulwini. The association said the threat arose directly from the journalist’s professional reporting on the tragedy.
In November, another Eswatini Observer journalist, Melissa Msweli, was subjected to cyberbullying after seeking comment from former Ngwemphisi Member of Parliament Mthandeni Dube. The journalist had asked whether Dube, upon his release, intended to join the Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO), an allegation he denied having any knowledge of.
These incidents collectively demonstrate the increasing vulnerability of journalists and the urgent need for greater respect for media practitioners.
“Freedom of the press and respect for human dignity must always prevail,” the statement concluded.
The statement was issued by the Eswatini National Association of Journalists (ESNAJ) Executive.
