Correcting Misinformation in Eswatini Observer Article, 25 Feb. 2025, Written by Nokuphila Haji

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
15 March 2025

Setting the Record Straight:
The Luke Commission (TLC) Responds to Repeated False Allegations Regarding Government Funding, Observer Article, 25 February 2025, front page and pages 2/3

The Luke Commission (TLC) is committed to transparency, accountability, and service to the people of Eswatini. In light of recent false and misleading statements made in Senate and the media by the former Minister of Health and current Senator Lizzie Nkosi regarding TLC’s receipt and utilization of government funds, we find it necessary to publicly correct the record and provide the facts.

FACTS: TLC’s E30 Million Government Funding Was Fully Legal and Accountable

1. TLC Signed a Formal Agreement with the Government

• TLC did not receive discretionary or informal funding.

• The E30 million allocation was contractually agreed upon and governed by a signed Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Government of Eswatini.

2. Utilization Reports Were Duly Submitted

• All funds were used for their intended purpose in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

• Detailed expenditure and utilization reports were officially filed with the relevant government authorities, ensuring full transparency.

• If certain individuals including Senator Lizzie Nkosi claim they cannot access these reports, they should take the matter up with the government—not use their their Senate platform and the media to spread falsehoods.

3. Senator Lizzie Nkosi’s Statements are Reckless and Baseless

• The current allegations are not new, but part of a pattern of misinformation that has been corrected multiple times.

• The majority of Government leaders and the public fully support TLC’s work in serving the nation. It is deeply unfortunate that a sitting Senator is using her position to undermine national healthcare progress rather than working towards solutions to save the lives of Emaswati.

• False claims about TLC’s funding do not harm the organization alone—they jeopardize the lives of Emaswati.

Cease and Desist Order to Senator Lizzie Nkosi

TLC has issued a formal Cease and Desist Order to Senator Lizzie Nkosi, who has repeatedly used her Senate position in bad faith to defame an organization that has faithfully served the nation for 20 years. Senator Nkosi’s bias is reckless and deeply concerning, given that her stance is entirely out of step with the majority of Government leaders at every level, including the highest office in the land, who recognize and support TLC’s contributions to Eswatini’s healthcare system.

This is not an isolated incident but rather a continuation of her obstructive behavior when she was Minister of Health. Throughout her tenure, she actively worked against TLC’s efforts to expand patient access to quality health care. Now, in a different role, she continues to push a narrative designed to weaken trust in healthcare solutions that work. Her repeated misuse of influence is not about governance or accountability—it serves the interests of a few selected individuals that have long opposed patient-centered healthcare in Eswatini. These vested interests are not acting in the best interest of the nation, but in their own self-preservation.

TLC Will Not Tolerate Defamation

TLC will officially file a complaint with the Senate President regarding the repeated defamation and misuse of Senate privilege to spread misinformation. We will reserve the right to pursue legal action in all respects to protect our integrity and the lives of Emaswati represented herein.

We call on all responsible leaders and members of the public to engage in fact-based discourse, rather than political misrepresentations that serve the personal interests of a few. For verification, TLC is making available the signed government agreement and submitted utilization reports upon request by authorized entities.

TLC’s Commitment Remains Unshaken

For over 20 years, TLC has provided world-class healthcare services to the people of Eswatini, working in full compliance with national laws and international best practices. We remain committed to serving the nation with transparency, excellence, and integrity.

For further inquiries, please contact: Lindani Sifundza, Director of Communications, The Luke Commission +268 7808 7200