MBABANE:Martin Dlamini, the Managing editor of the Times of eSwatini questioned Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini regarding the shortage of drugs in public hospitals.
The senior editor also demanded to know when will those responsible for collapsing the health system by allegedly stealing public funds be arrested by the Anti Corruption Commission(ACC), he accused the ACC of being incompetent and/or failing to arrest powerful people involved in corruption that triggered the health crisis.
“We are seeing ordinary civil servants being punished but when it comes to the ‘big fish’, nothing happens. Can you give us assurance Your Excellency that action will be taken against these people who collapsed the health system and that,drugs will be available in public hospitals,” said the Times Managing editor.
But the PM responded with arrogance, accusing the Times of being negative towards Government, he described the questions and comments made by the Times Managing editor as his own opinion hence he must swallow his own questions and comments.
“Arrests by ACC?, it’s your own opinion, we know that the Times has always been negative about Government, we don’t expect anything positive. I am saying this because you have to get what you give me”, said the Prime Minister when responding with arrogance to Times Managing editor Martin Dlamini.
It was then that Nation Magazine editor Bheki Makhubu stood-up and blast the PM, accusing him of undermining the media and expecting journalists to report positively so he can look good.
Makhubu stated categorically that, the role of the media is hold those in power,including the Prime Minister accountable.
Times Managing editor Martin Dlamini(right) with Times Sunday editor Thobeka Manyathela(pic: Gov).