By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE:Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini allegedly made a call to Swazi Observer Managing editor Mbongeni Mbingo, urging him to consider approaching former Acting Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of the Royal Eswatini Technology Park(RSTP) Dr Andile Methula for leaking of information about Communications and Technology Minister Savannah Maziya.

An independent and vigorous investigation conducted by this Swaziland News uncovered that, University of Eswatini(UNESWA) Lecturer Dr Andile Methula who was previously appointed by the Minister as RSTP Acting CEO later became friendly to the alleged corrupt syndicate, working against Savannah Maziya in sabotaging the ongoing multimillion fraud and corruption forensic investigation within the State owned entity.

But in the midst of this investigation, insiders told this publication that, Dr Methula might be implicated in the forensic report after allegedly colluding with resigned Human Resources Manager Prince Khetsimphilo to engage in corruption while acting as Chief Executive Officer.

Prince Khetsimphilo is the son of Prince Gabheni and, part of the powerful royal syndicate that was allegedly working towards ousting Minister Savannah Maziya in an effort to sabotage the high level forensic investigation.

The alleged corruption that might have led to Methula falling out of favour with the Information Minister as per preliminary findings seen by this publication, involve the questionable approval of monies and employment of staff facilitated by Prince Khetsimphilo and, subsequently endorsed by Dr Methula.

Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini is alleged to have played a role in attempting to sabotage the investigation by capturing Dr Methula who was trusted by the Information Minister to head the technology institution but, on acting basis.

The troubled Head of Government allegedly held a secret meeting with Dr Andile Methula behind the Minister’s back to try and fight Savannah’s efforts to investigate the institution.

It is alleged that, the PM wanted Methula to use his position within the Technology Park, to spy on the Minister and then, leak the information to the Swazi Observer, a newspaper “that he uses as his propaganda machinery after allegedly promising the ambitious Mbingo employment as a Government Spokesperson”.

But Lecturer Dr Andile Methula vigorously denied these allegations suggesting that, he might or “is being used against Minister Savannah Maziya”.

Responding to this Swaziland News this week after numerous efforts to reach him, University of Eswatini(UNESWA) Lecturer Dr Andile Methula confirmed meeting the PM but denied plotting against the Information Minister, he said “those who think they could use him against Minister Savannah just because he was the Acting CEO are misinformed as he met the Prime Minister once”.

Dr Methula further clarified that, the political differences and fights between the Prime Minister and the Information Minister were escalating such that, he found himself resigning back to the University adding that, at some point, he found himself between the political tension.

“I only met the PM once in November last year when i was acting.He had invited me for a meeting.Before the meeting I did meet my Minister and PS to inform them.Further, RSTP does not partake in wiretapping or hacking.Our policies are very much against that,” Dr Andile Methula said through a text message sent to this journalist.

Prime Minister allegedly made a call to Swazi Observer editor about three(3) weeks, directing him to consider approaching Dr. Andile Methula who will then leak information about Minister Savannah Maziya’s correspondence with the RSTP Board of Directors, the PM allegedly suggested that, Mbingo could use even journalist Sibusiso Dlamini in approaching Methula.

Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli declined to comment regarding the allegations involving the Prime Minister.

But Cabinet insiders told this publication this week that, when the RSTP Board made the decision to appoint Nomvula Gulwako as Acting CEO, Methula called the PM to complain as he was expecting to be confirmed as CEO.

“Minister Home Affairs had to old Methula the PM has agreed to confirm him as CEO on condition he would be loyal to the PM and not execute Minister Savannah’s strategy,” said one of the Cabinet Ministers.

The Cabinet insider further told this publication that, despite the political pressure from the Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister, Savannah Maziya endorsed the Board’s decision to appoint Nomvula Gulwako as Acting CEO and, Cabinet supported “her decision even though the PM wanted to reject the appointment”.

“The PM failed to convince Cabinet why Nomvula shouldn’t act and Methula, a member of the JC church was so bitter got sympathy from the wife of his Pastor Kasaro, Minister Princess Lindiwe who had assured him that it was a done deal for him to become the next CEO. That’s where the plan to bring Savannah down was hatched. The PM saw an opportunity because Methula wants this job at all costs and the PM then promised it to him on condition he (the PM) would be able to run and control RSTP together with the JC crew,” said the Cabinet Minister.

Swazi Observer Managing editor Mbongeni Mbingo who allegedly works with the Prime Minister as his media advisor and propagandist, also declined to comment.

On another note, since taking over as the Minister of Information, Communication and Technology, Savannah Maziya has been facing ‘persecution’ inside Cabinet but, she recently vowed to continue fighting corruption within the State owned entities under the Ministry of ICT.

“There were days where I could feel I can’t stand it but because I knew I did nothing wrong. In fact I’ve done everything right”, she said when addressing a press conference last week.