Repetitive, Reckless Reporting by Eswatini Observer Undermines Public Trust, Healthcare Partnerships
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
22 April 2025
Once again, The Luke Commission (TLC) is compelled to respond to a front-page article by the Eswatini Observer that fails to meet even the most basic standards of journalistic accuracy and ethics. This sustained pattern of reckless and misleading reporting was most recently evidenced in the Observer’s front-page headline on April 22, 2025: “USAID Reconsiders Over E95M Funding.”
This publication not only distorts key facts, but knowingly omitted TLC’s official response—despite timely and responsible engagement. It is the latest in a series of politically charged stories that suggest the newspaper is increasingly being used to advance private or political agendas, rather than to serve the public interest.
At 8:41PM the night before publication, a journalist from the Observer sent us a document titled “USAID Resumed Grants” via WhatsApp. By 8:56PM, we responded:
“We are reviewing the information and will seek further guidance, as we do not have additional details at this time. We appreciate your patience and will revert with a more complete response as soon as we are able.”
No statement from TLC was included in the article.
Instead, the publication cited a $160,000 (E2.9 million) award which—pending formal guidance—appears to be a small, unrelated U.S.-based freight reimbursement, used to import goods that TLC then provides free of charge to the people of Eswatini. It does not reflect TLC’s actual operational and programmatic funding in Eswatini, which has previously exceeded E85 million ($4.69 million).
This is no longer a matter of isolated error. It reflects a troubling and repeated failure in editorial standards and public accountability—where headlines are routinely prioritized over truth, journalism is used to advance personal agendas, and integrity is sidelined. The cost of this conduct does not fall on editors or publishers—it falls on the patients and communities whose lives depend on clarity, not confusion.
This behavior not only misinforms the public and erodes institutional trust, but also places the publisher at risk of escalating reputational and legal consequences.
Key Clarifications
The document likely refers to U.S.-based logistics reimbursements, not TLC’s operational funding in Eswatini.
TLC explicitly informed the journalist that we were reviewing the document and would respond once clarity was available.
The U.S. Government has not formally communicated this document to TLC.
The award cited in the article is completely disconnected from TLC’s actual programmatic work in Eswatini.
Call to Action
We call on the Eswatini Observer—and all media outlets—to uphold the principles of fact-based, responsible journalism, especially when reporting on public health and international cooperation. Inaccurate reporting does not harm institutions alone—it harms the people who rely on them, and the partnerships that make their care possible.
TLC has always welcomed scrutiny—but scrutiny must be informed, honest, and fair.
We remain committed to transparency, service, and integrity. Once formal guidance is received from our U.S. partners, we will provide a full and factual update.
In the meantime, TLC continues its daily work—quietly, faithfully, and transparently—serving the people of Eswatini.
Contact Information
For VIPs: +268 7613 8814 / +268 7923 8814
For Media Inquiries:
Lindani Sifundza, Communications Director
📞 +268 7808 7200
📧 comms@lukecommission.org
