Members of Parliament (MPs) continue to probe the reinstatement of Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo’s contract pending his ongoing controversial court case.
The legislators argued that the responses given by Prime Minister (PM) Russell Mmiso Dlamini were not satisfactory, demanding clearer responses from the PM. Dlamini had reported that the matter was still under consideration with the Civil Service Commission (CSC). This time, MPs raised the issue during the debate of the PM’s portfolio committee report on the debate of the ministry’s second quarter performance for the financial year 2025/26 yesterday.
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Portfolio Committee Chairperson Mtfongwaneni MP Nathi Hlophe noted that the issue was raised during the debate and said the PM had responded to the effect that his office was still in consultation with the CSC.
He assured that the PM would provide detailed responses once the engagements had been concluded. Previously, Nhlambeni MP Manzi Zwane questioned the logic behind the renewal of Nxumalo’s contract pending his ongoing court case.
This transpired during the debate of the ministry of public service second quarter performance report. Nxumalo is facing rape charges involving two siblings, aged 17 and 18. He was charged under the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (sodv) Act.
In September, CSC renewed Nxumalo’s contract, but placed him on leave pending his rape trial. Nxumalo’s previous contract expired on May 13, leaving the post vacant.
During the debate, MP Zwane said he was disappointed by the reinstatement of Nxumalo and wondered what precedence such was setting taking into consideration that Nxumalo was facing rape charges. “What precedence are we setting here anelicashata lelingaka. What did he do to deserve such a reward,” enquired Zwane.
He questioned why Nxumalo was needed that much to the extent of bringing him back under the prevailing conditions. In response, Minister of Public Service Mabulala Maseko said he was not in a position to respond on the spot as the reinstatement of Nxumalo was the prerogative of the CSC.
“I will have to double check and respond in writing. CSC is mandated by the Constitution to hire, discipline and dismiss civil servants,” he said.
He also mentioned that his office was not directly involved in the process, hence he could not respond.
