‘It was govt’s decision not to renew Alpheous’ contract’

LOBAMBA – PRIME Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has said government had decided not to renew former Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo’s contract, who faces rape allegations, because he had already retired.

This was revealed during the debate of the prime minister’s office performance report for the 2025/26 financial year in Senate yesterday.

He said the government spokesperson had retired and the Civil Service Commission was approached to find another suitable candidate.

He said the former government spokesperson had worked well in the office, but had reached retirement.

He added that the nation was always complaining about the high unemployment rate, which meant that young people, especially those who were qualified, should be given an opportunity to speak on behalf of government and occupy the position.

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“Those who employ civil servants had engaged him to renew his contract, but there were charges levelled against him, which made it inappropriate for him to represent the office of the prime minister, let alone the country,” he said.

He said they needed a new government spokesperson and had asked the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to fill the position.

The PM was responding to Senator Stukie Motsa.

Motsa said they had heard many things regarding the issue of the government spokesperson, but noted that the prime minister’s office had not been given an opportunity to give clarification on the matter. She asked the PM to provide answers so that the nation could understand the situation.