By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE: Stantly Dlamini, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) has been accused of unlawfully terminating Regional Arts Officer Nokwanda Masimula’s contract who subsequently developed depression and died in hospital while giving birth.

Documents in possession of this Swaziland News suggest that, the contract of employment was governed by the provisions of the Employment Act of 1980 and this means, Masimula was permanently employed.

“The contract may be terminated at any time for the causes referred to in Section 36 of The Employment Act of 1980 after a full disciplinary hearing,” reads the contract in part dated 1st January 2024 and seen by this publication.

But on the 1st November 2025, the CEO wrote to the then Regional Arts Officer, informing her about the non-renewal of her contract, the pregnant employee was reportedly shocked, suffered depression and subsequently died while giving birth.

“After a thorough review of your performance during your current contract period, we regret to inform you that your current employment with Eswatini Council of Arts and Culture, which is due to expire on the 31st November 2025, will not be renewed,” reads the letter, signed by CEO Stanley Dlamini.

Reached for comments by this Swaziland News, the CEO denied that the death of the employee was caused by his decision to terminate the employment.

“Check with medical report or hospital Nkhosi there’s non such,” said the CEO.

Worth-noting, the contract of employment suggests that, Nokwanda Masimula was permanently employed and therefore, the termination of her employment was supposed to be in accordance with Section 36 of the Employment Act as clearly stated in the same contract.