By Musa Mdluli

MBABANE:Prime Minister(PM) Russell Mmiso Dlamini is allegedly pushing for Eswatini Observer Managing editor Mbongeni Mbingo to take over as Government Spokesperson after the retirement of Alpheous Nxumalo in the next few months.

The relationship between the PM and Mbingo was disclosed by this Swaziland News in a leaked conversation,in fact the Eswatini Observer editor has been allegedly working with the Prime Minister and the relationship was referenced as “kumbambisa”.

Prime Minister Russell Dlamini declined to comment about the alleged moves to employ Mbingo as the Government Spokesperson.

But powers to employ a Government Spokesperson vests with the Civil Service Commission(CSC) and of course, authorities of the country, are normally consulted for such a very important position in functioning of the Tinkhundla system.

But sources within royalty told Swaziland News editor Zweli Martin Dlamini that, other names of possible candidates who might take over as Government Spokesperson are being discussed within the institution of the Monarchy.

The names include Principal Secretary(PS) in the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology(ICT) Phesheya Dube, Montigny Spokesperson Sihle Dlamini, Under Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Vulindlela Kunene and Central Bank of Eswatini(CBE) Spokesperson Mandla Luphondvo amongst others.

Sihle Mavuso is the son of the late Tinkhundla loyalist and top police detective Jomo Mavuso.

Worth-noting, Mbongeni Mbingo also qualifies to be a Government Spokesperson, he holds a Master’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies and with over thirty(30) years experience as a journalist and editor, he fully understands the media environment.

But there are also high expectations in Cabinet suggesting that,Nxumalo might be replaced by his Deputy Thabile Mdluli, a former journalist of the State owned eSwatini Observer.

Mdluli is allegedly backed by some Cabinet Ministers and in fact, some Ministers told this publication that, the Deputy Government Spokesperson as a former journalist, writes the press statements and is hands-on in all the professional communications work as Nxumalo “is hardly in the Office” allegedly enjoying wine in the various restaurants.

Mdluli recently graduated with a Masters in Business Administration and her office professionalized the sharing of Government information through digital platforms.

“You will note that, there’s a difference between Nxumalo in a press statement and the Nxumalo with a verbal diarrhea, who speaks anyhow in his own words.The Deputy Spokesperson does that, she professionalizes Government positions and then, the press statements are published in Nxumalo’s name”, said a Cabinet source.

But it remains unclear if the Prime Minister will eventually employ Mbingo without the approval of royalty.

Reached for comments on Sunday, former Government Spokesperson now King’s Spokesperson Percy Simelane said, when he left office, he was replaced by his Deputy Sabelo Dlamini, now Director of the State owned Radio Station.

Simelane said, he was not aware that the current Government Spokesperson will soon leave office as the contents of his contract of employment remain confidential.

“I was replaced with my Deputy, Mr Sabelo Dlamini.I therefore have have no experience of any other method.I was  not even officially aware that the current Government Spokesman was about to leave office. We work for the same course but as expected, our personal job related files remain confidential,” said the King’s Spokesperson.

After obtaining information on Government Spokesperson contract, this publication reported that, Nxumalo was about to retire as “his contract is nearly coming to an end”.

But Nxumalo did not take kindly to the article published by the editor of this Swaziland News and even though he had vowed not to respond,he quickly authored an article clarifying himself on his looming retirement.

“I’m satisfied with my contribution in shaping, cutting, curving and perfecting the image of our people, country, leaders and of our system of governance- tinkhundla. Whether or not I go home in the next 3 months, it’s a non-issue for me. Home has never been traumatic experience for me,” said the Government Spokesperson.

An insider within Government told this publication that, the political situation in the country will determine whether Nxumalo receive another extended contract or not.

“I would make an example, if another political unrest could erupt, Nxumalo can get another contract because he fits well in those situations. But now the situation is calm and needs diplomacy and professional engagement and responses so, a more polite, diplomatic and professional Spokesperson like Percy Simelane might be employed. Kodvwa-ke naye uMnguni solo ungulo lutfungo lolungasebenta. In politics tikhona timo letidzinga luhlanya lolutawufata nalukhuluma.Kodvwa-ke nasekudzingeka diplomacy, sekufuneka lolunye lutfungo”, said the insider.