LOBAMBA – Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo asked the Chairperson of the Prime Minister’s Office Nathi Hlophe to clarify his understanding of the term ‘Cabal’.
He said findings in the report referenced a Cabal and noted that since being in Parliament, he had repeatedly heard such claims. However, no MP had ever identified members of this alleged group.
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Khumalo said he wanted clarity on whether the finding confirmed the existence of a Cabal or merely reflected allegations. He also proposed that Finding 3.4, referring to alleged maladministration at the Eswatini Medical Christian University (EMCU), and Finding 4.4, recommending intervention by the prime minister after tabling of a select committee report, be expunged, arguing that they were irrelevant and undermined Parliament’s authority.
‘Report should clarify there is no govt spokesperson’
Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini has called for the Prime Minister’s Office report to clearly note that there is no government spokesperson.
Dlamini said this remained the case despite the Civil Service Commission’s claim that the incumbent has been issued a new contract, with reports indicating he is still unpaid despite a court ruling awarding him over E200 000 in salary arrears.
He noted that the issue was raised during the debate on the Prime Minister’s Office annual performance report for the 2025/27 financial year, where the prime minister (PM) was asked to clarify the status of the government spokesperson. According to Dlamini, the PM indicated that engagements with the Civil Service Commission were ongoing and that the office still required a spokesperson.
Dlamini emphasised the urgency of the matter, pointing to the court judgment ordering payment of the outstanding salary and the existence of a valid contract. He urged the committee to include a finding in the report stating that no one is currently fulfilling the substantive functions of government spokesperson, despite the Civil Service Commission’s position.
“Despite the court judgment, it is not being implemented and the matter should be resolved as quickly as possible,” he said.
Additional Context
A “cabal” typically refers to a small group of individuals who exercise power or influence behind the scenes, often in a secretive or unofficial manner. The term is frequently used in political discourse when there are suspicions of hidden decision-making structures.
