By Mduduzi Hlophe

MBABANE: Makhosini Mndawe, the Principal Secretary (PS) in the Deputy Prime Minister’s (DPM’s) office issued a statement on Tuesday distancing the DPM’s office from the leaked socio-economic report that contains confidential information about Senior Correctional Services officer Nothando Nhlengetfwa and her husband Mzuthini Ntjangase, a member of the King\'s Advisory Council.

In the statement the PS said the DPM’s office within the Department of Social Welfare strongly distances itself from the report that portrays a negative picture on its operations after it was published by the media.

“Therefore, it is for this reason that we clearly state and assure the public that all Social Welfare Officers maintain strict professionalism and client confidentiality in all matters dealt by the office at all times,” reads the statement in part. 

Nonhlanhla Dalmini, the Director for the Swaziland Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA) in an earlier interview with this publication said the leaked report could have adverse psychological effects on all the parties involved.

“This will psychologically affect the children not only today but also in the near future since such information will stay documented in the different forms of media for ages to come.This information will haunt them and they could commit suicide. We encourage couples to solve their problems privately instead of fighting on the media to avoid bringing harm to their kids and themselves”, said the SWAGAA Director.

But Sibusiso Nhlabatsi , a human rights lawyer said the socio economic report was not  confidential but a public matter, however he condemned the selective reporting on Nothando Nhlengetfwa personal life.

“This is a custody battle, the court ordered that a socio economic report be compiled , once the matter is before court it becomes a public matter.Therefore, the socio economic report is not confidential in this case.What is to be lamented though is the selective reporting on the bad side of Nothando while nothing was said about Mzuthini. In my view the reporting was made to sway the presiding officer, but the magistrate seized with the matter will apply himself or herself and look what it is in the best interest of the child to arrive at a just and fair legal conclusion”, said the human rights lawyer.