MBABANE:Mbongeni Mbingo, the Managing Editor of the Eswatini Observer and Principal Secretary(PS) in the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology(ICT) Phesheya Dube are among the names of individuals being discussed within the royal circles to take over as Government Spokesperson when Alpheous Nxumalo retires on the 4th April 2024.
Other names include Central Bank Spokesperson Mandla Luphondvo, Montingy Spokesperson and former journalist Sihle Mavuso and another candidate identified as Vulindlela Kunene.
But Mbongeni Simelane,the King’s Private Secretary and others are allegedly lobbying for the renewal of Alpheous Nxumalo\'s contract,however,some influential figures close to the King believes he doesn’t have the skills to engage with international journalists in a diplomatic manner.
A decision on whether Alpheous Nxumalo will go home or not is highly expected to be communicated by Simanga Mamba, the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission(CSC) in the next few weeks.
Nxumalo recently communicated a decision to ban the Swaziland News from communicating Government’s side when publishing articles, a decision that did not go down well with the King’s Office.
“That decision was a huge blunder because it deprives Government an opportunity to communicate her side”, said one of the insiders with the King’s Office.
Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo had not responded at the time of compiling this report.
On another note, the retiring controversial Government Spokesperson is at loggerheads with the Office of the King and Ingwenyama after he communicated a decision banning public officials from communicating or responding to the Swaziland News and it’s editor.
The King’s Office refused to implement the decision by Alpheous Nxumalo and his political syndicate and committed itself to respond and clarify issues touching on the King and the institution of the Monarchy.
ICT PS Phesheya Dube.