By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE:Clifford Mamba,the retired Principal Secretary(PS) in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has allegedly ‘locked’ his office pending confirmation of a new extended contract of employment by Mswati.

As a result,operations within the Ministry that requires signatures from the office of the Principal Secretary(PS)have been temporarily halted.

According to insiders,the PS had earlier told officials that His Majesty the King has approved the extension of his contract.

“The PS told us the King approved the extension of his contract of employment, we are waiting for an official communication from the Civil Service Commission(CSC)to confirm if that’s true,” said the insider within the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

A questionnaire was sent to PS Clifford Mamba, however, he had not responded at the time of compiling this report.

But King’s Spokesperson Percy Simelane, when asked by this Swaziland News on Sunday to clarify if the King has renewed the contract of PS Clifford Mamba or not,said he was not sure.

“I wouldn't be sure the paperwork for continuity reinstatement is done at the Civil Service Commission. Royal commands of this nature are communicated to the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission.You will recall that employment files are confidential,kindly try the CSC Chairman,"said the King’s Spokesperson.

But a week later,no communication from the Chairman of Civil Service Commission(CSC) Simanga Mamba regarding the future of the Principal Secretary.

When this journalist contacted the CSC Chairman for a comment,he ‘joined’ the fast-lane and avoided questions.

It is alleged that after learning that the Civil Service Commission(CSC) was delaying to announce the extension of the contract,the Principal Secretary(PS)allegedly locked his office,saying he was waiting to seek an audience with Mswati when he returns from the United Kingdom(UK).

The King returned from the UK this week,he was invited to attend the Coronation of King Charles.

Principal Secretary(PS)Clifford Mamba reached the retirement age of sixty(60)on the 5th May 2023.