By Musa Mdluli

MBABANE:Lwazi Dlamini, the President of the Eswatini National Association of Journalists(ENAJ) says the Association won’t be dictated and/or be told not to praise Swaziland News editor Zweli Martin Dlamini where he has done right just because certain individuals in the corridors of power have issues with him.

Speaking to this publication on Friday evening, Dlamini maintained that ‘Zwemart’ “remains a highly recognized journalist in eSwatini and that the Association will not distance itself from him” just because there are people who are fighting him in the corridors of power.

“As the Association of Journalists, we fully understand that this is an Association of State and independent journalists, the Association does not have issues with Zwemart but respect him as a journalist. I told the Secretary General to refer to me all those who have issues with the statement we issued praising Zwemart for defending media freedom particularly Swazi Observer journalist Bongiwe Dlamini who was threatened in her line of duty,” said the Journalists Association President.

King’s Interpreter Sihle Dlamini is among those who blasted the Journalists Association for praising Zwemart, however the President of the Association has come out to clarify that, “those who have issues with the Swaziland News editor must engage him without involving the Journalists Association”. 

The ENAJ President maintained that, the Association enjoys a healthy relationship with Zwemart as a member and appreciates his efforts to fight for media freedom in the country.

Lwazi Dlamini is the editor of the Financial Times, he previously worked for the Times of Eswatini as a Sports editor.