MBABANE:The Civil Service Commission(CSC) won’t focus only on senior journalists when employing a new Government Spokesperson who will replace fallen out-on-bail alleged serial rapist Alpheous Nxumalo.
A source within Cabinet who spoke to Swaziland News editor Zweli Martin Dlamini on Thursday evening said, the process to employ a new Government Spokesperson “won’t commence anytime soon and the CSC is yet to met and discuss the matter”.
When asked if “State controlled editors stand a chance to be employed, the source said the CSC won’t focus only on journalists but even former Cabinet Ministers” who understands the Tinkhundla system of governance might be interviewed.
“Being a Government Spokesperson is not journalism and it’s not about writing news hence the CSC, as far as I understand won’t focus only on editors. In fact this narrative of thinking that certain journalists or editors might take over is only in the media, the CSC will engage even former Cabinet Ministers and this being a political position, the King will be consulted. For now Thabile Mdluli will act for the next months and the process to employ a new Government Spokesperson won’t start anytime soon,” said the source who was speaking to editor Zweli Martin Dlamini.
Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini wanted Swazi Observer editor Mbongeni Mbingo to take over as Government Spokesperson however, there were concerns in Cabinet that, his alleged adulterous relationship with King Mswati’s wife Inkhosikati LaMbikiza might undermine his duties as the allegations consistently emerge in the independent media.
The source further said, “Mbingo is not in good terms with other journalists after he harassed Nation Magazine editor Bheki Makhubu and electronic evidence emerged where the PM confirmed that, he was working for him when he stopped Makhubu from asking hard questions, yet the “position requires good working relationship” with all journalists.
“But he was never in the picture except that, the PM might have promised him the position just to capture him. You see being a Spokesperson for a Government is not journalism. You remember Mac Maharaj who was the Spokesperson under the President Jacob Zuma administration, he was a politician not a journalist and was understanding politics”, said the source.
The source then made an example about Ludzidzini Council member and former Foreign Affairs Minister Mathendele Dlamini saying, his deep understanding of the Tinkhundla system and authoritative commanding voice “makes him a suitable candidate”.
Another possible candidate who was cited by the Cabinet source as very brilliant with understanding of the Tinkhundla system is Phiwayinkhosi Mabuza, the former Minister of Housing and Urban Development.
The Government Spokesperson position became vacant after Alpheous Nxumalo’s contract expired but before the expiry of his contract, Nxumalo had neglected his duties to focus on attacking the editor of this Swaziland News.
Nxumalo is out on bail after being charged for allegedly raping two(2) children, before his fall, Nxumalo was warned by editor Zweli Martin Dlamini through a series of articles not to be personal but defend Government like King’s Spokesperson Percy Simelane without being emotional.
Ludzidzini Council member Mathendele Dlamini.