Repetitive, Reckless Reporting by Eswatini Observer Undermines Public Trust, Healthcare Partnerships
Following yet another front-page misrepresentation by the Eswatini Observer, TLC sets the record straight—with facts, timelines, and the truth the public deserves.
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. The Observer’s headline on April 22, 2025—“USAID Reconsiders Over E95M Funding”—is just the latest in a sustained pattern of reckless and misleading reporting.
The publication not only distorts key facts, but knowingly excluded TLC’s official response, despite timely and professional engagement. At 8:41PM the night before publication, a journalist sent TLC the document in question via WhatsApp. By 8:56PM, TLC had 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.”
Yet no statement from TLC was included in the published article.
The timing of this outreach—at night, on a weekend, with time zones in mind and just moments before print deadlines—made it virtually impossible for any organization to provide verified answers from international partners. The decision to publish anyway, without waiting for clarification, was not only premature—it was knowingly reckless.
Instead, the article referenced a $160,000 (E2.9 million) two-year award— which is not funding for operations in Eswatini. It is a two-year ($80,000 per year) freight reimbursement grant issued to the TLC U.S. nonprofit entity, intended to partially offset international shipping costs. These funds reimburse a portion of the fees paid directly to global freight companies.
It is deeply troubling that, just like much of the information the Observer has misrepresented through its coordinated and vicious attacks, the facts were publicly available all along at www.highergov.com/grant/7200AA23GR00019/.
A Pattern of Editorial Misconduct
This is not a case of isolated error. It reflects a repetitive and deliberate editorial pattern—where headlines are prioritized over truth, responsible journalism is abandoned, and essential healthcare partnerships are undermined for the political gain of a select few individuals.
Over the past 15 months, the Eswatini Observer has pursued a pattern of reckless reporting—distorting timelines, omitting critical facts, fabricating harmful narratives, and rushing to print sensational headlines without seeking verification—all while amplifying political interference and protecting the interests of a select few individuals.
The consequences of this conduct are not borne by editors or publishers—they are directly felt by patients and communities whose care is put at risk, and by the international partners working in good faith to support Eswatini’s future. Such behavior not only misinforms the public and undermines healthcare delivery, but also exposes the publisher to escalating reputational and legal consequences.
Key Clarifications
The $160,000 (E2.9 million) two-year award is a freight reimbursement to the U.S.-based TLC non-profit, not for programs, salaries, or services in Eswatini.
Funds are used exclusively for logistics costs, reimbursing fees paid to freight carriers.
Goods covered by this cost recovery are distributed free of charge to Emaswati.
This reimbursement is completely unrelated to the E85 million previously allocated in programmatic support for Eswatini-based care.
A Coordinated and Vicious Media Attack
This article is not unusual—it is part of a coordinated and vicious media attack on The Luke Commission. Over the past 15 months, the Eswatini Observer has published multiple stories that distort timelines, omit facts, print without requesting information, and rush to publish negative headlines while promoting misinformation—amplifying political interference and false narratives.
This is not journalism. It is a disinformation campaign.
The Observer is not targeting TLC—it’s targeting truth.
This calculated campaign has shielded those who fear transparency, accountability, and the growing voice of the people—when the nation’s focus should be on healing lives and building a thriving Eswatini. They are part of a deliberate, coordinated media effort to discredit a healthcare organization that has served the nation for 20 years with integrity, compassion, and sacrifice—and to whom Emaswati have entrusted their lives.
TLC has done everything possible to resolve these matters discreetly and professionally. Letters to the Observer Board have gone unanswered.
Thus, The Luke Commission hereby publicly places the Eswatini Observer on formal notice.
These are not harmless headlines. They are part of a deliberate, coordinated media effort to discredit a healthcare organization that has stood with this nation for two decades. The legal, reputational, and ethical consequences for the publisher are no longer speculative—they are real, and they are escalating.
Expanding the Attack: Targeting Parliament and the Nation
Moreover, it is increasingly concerning that these attacks are no longer limited to TLC alone. In recent months, we have witnessed media campaigns shifting toward undermining Parliament and others—targeting those who dare to stand for healthcare, integrity, and service to the nation.
This is not journalism. It is a deliberate manipulation of truth, designed to isolate and dismantle those standing for healthcare, hope, and the betterment of Emaswati. TLC will continue to stand alongside every leader, partner, and citizen who defends the good health and wellbeing of Emaswati.
TLC’s Commitment to the People of Eswatini
Despite the coordinated and vicious media attacks, TLC’s mission remains unchanged. Our doors are open. Our teams are working. And every single day, we are serving with resolve. While others politicize health, we deliver it—with compassion, transparency, and excellence. We are especially grateful to the leaders, parliamentarians, and partners who continue to stand for the people of Eswatini and uphold the values of healthcare, transparency, and service.
Call to Action
We call on the Eswatini Observer—and all media outlets—to return to the principles of truthful, fact-based journalism, especially when reporting on public health, international cooperation, and the lives of our Emaswati.
TLC has always welcomed scrutiny—but scrutiny must be informed, honest, and fair. The witch hunt orchestrated to protect narrow political interests must stop—because the lives of Emaswati are priceless. Eswatini deserves media institutions that tell the truth, serve the people, and hold positions of influence to account—not those that exploit headlines to serve hidden interests. Let us build a nation where facts lead—not fear.
A Final Word
TLC deeply regrets that funds had to be diverted to publish this statement. We wonder how many lives could have been saved, how much care could have been extended, with the E15,000 that had to be used for this advert to correct reckless misinformation. Truth should never have to be paid for. But the lives of Emaswati are priceless—and they are worth defending.
Contact Information
For VIPs: +268 7613 8814 / +268 7923 8814
For Media Inquiries:
Lindani Sifundza, Communications Director
📞 +268 7808 7200
📧 comms@lukecommission.org
