MBABANE: Senator Themba Masuku, the Acting Prime Minister violated COVID-19 regulations and or guidelines by the World Health Organisation(WHO), he continues with his public duties, interacting with journalists during press conferences and other colleagues despite that two Cabinet Ministers tested positive to COVID-19.

It has been reported that Minister of Labour and Social Security Makhosi Vilakati and Public Service Minister Christian Ntjangase were receiving COVID-19 treatment at Siteki Referral Hospital, Ntjangase subsequently died on Saturday as reported by this publication.

A questionnaire was sent to the Acting Prime Minister where he was asked why he was refusing to go into isolation, however, he had not responded at the time of compiling this report.

But on Friday, the Acting Prime Minister told the Swazi Observer that he was cleared of COVID-19 infections and was ready to resume his public duties, he never went into isolation.

“In as much as I did not feel any symptoms, I immediately took some tests, not once but twice to confirm my status. I was cleared by both tests and I am ready to resume my public engagements again” he said.

It could not be ascertained why the Acting Prime Minister who always call the media decided to do the test privately and if indeed the results were negative.

Reached for comments, Mbongwa Dlamini, the President of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers(SNAT) condemned the conduct of the Acting Prime Minister saying it was clear that the regulations were created only for the ordinary citizens.

“We are not surprised with the conduct of the Acting Prime Minister because it’s now clear that the regulations were created for the ordinary citizens, they de-commissioned the National Emergency just to host Incwala. The regulations should not be enforced selectively, DPM must leave his position and go into isolation after Cabinet Ministers tested positive” said the SNAT President.

Insiders within the corridors of power told this publication that the Acting Prime Minister was eyeing the position to complete the late Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini's term hence he was afraid that if he can agree to isolate, the King might appoint another person to act in the position.

“He is eyeing the position and for him to go into isolation, that would mean another person should be appointed as Acting Prime Minister” said the source.

Speaking to this publication, Sibongile Mazibuko, the President of the Ngwane National Liberatory Congress(NNLC) said the Acting Prime Minister must lead by example and go into isolation.

“We expect him to be exemplary and be sensitive towards this issue. If he manage to ban church gatherings, he must also isolate because already there’s another Minister who has tested positive” said the NNLC President.