Correcting Misinformation in Eswatini Observer Article, 19 Mar. 2025, Written by Nokuphila Haji and Sibusiso Dlamini

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
20 March 2025

Setting the Record Straight:
The Luke Commission (TLC) Responds to False Claims, Observer Article “Senators Question Continued Funding of TLC”, 19 March 2025

Transparency is a core pillar of global best practices for sustainability. Despite TLC’s globally recognized commitment to accountability, recent statements in Senate and the media have disregarded truth. The Eswatini Observer has amplified misinformation instead of upholding journalistic integrity, serving a select few while disregarding ethical standards and public accountability. Rather than investigating facts, it has promoted misleading narratives to protect vested interests at the expense of the nation.

TLC is grateful for broad government support, including from the highest office. While a small group with vested interests spreads misinformation, the majority stands for truth and progress. We remain servants of the nation, ready to serve if it is of support to Emaswati.

1. TLC Has a Fully Staffed Accounting Department — Why Was Parliament and Senate Misled?

One of the most blatant falsehoods in the recent article was the claim that TLC has no accountant.

The facts:

• TLC has a fully staffed accounting department, led by qualified professionals, operating under strict financial oversight and international best practices. It is audited by one of the top 25 audit firms in the USA.

• Shockingly, not a single formal request for clarification was ever sent to TLC by Senate, Parliament, or the Ministry of Health before these false claims were made.

• If there were genuine concerns about TLC’s financial management, the responsible approach would have been to request information rather than spread misinformation. But that never happened.

2. False Claims About a “Family Trust”

Another outright falsehood being circulated is the claim that TLC is connected to a family trust.

The facts:

• No such entity exists.

• This is not just misinformation—it is irresponsible governance and reckless journalism. Lawmakers are debating baseless accusations, and the media is complicit in spreading politically motivated narratives without factual verification.

• Did anyone in Senate ask for clarification before debating this falsehood?

• Did the publication that continues to print these political smears bother to verify its claims?

3. The E30 Million Was Managed with Full Transparency and a Signed Agreement, Despite Repeated Falsehoods Suggesting Otherwise

If there is genuine interest in the facts:

• The E30 million—7% of TLC’s 2024 expenditure—was placed in a dedicated FNB account for full accountability. Our financial institution can verify this. That is true transparency.

• Every cent was expended in alignment with the Memorandum of Agreement signed between the Ministry of Health and TLC on July 19, 2024, which is still in effect despite repeated false claims that no signed agreement exists.

• Financial and programmatic reports detailing the full utilization of these funds were submitted to the Ministry of Health.

4. Why Was the Utilization Report Withheld from Parliament and Senate?

TLC submitted a financial utilization and programmatic report to the Ministry of Health. This should have been reflected in the Annual Budget Performance Report for Financial Year 2024 – 2025, filed in February 2025. It was not.

Key questions:

• Why was this data and utilization report withheld?

• Why has the Ministry of Health not been transparent about the fact that the reports were filed both programmatically and financially?

• Why were Parliament, Senate, and the public denied access to the full picture?

TLC raised the issue of the Ministry of Health withholding data and reports during the 2024 Parliament Select Committee process. This led to parliamentary resolutions highlighting serious procedural failures and transparency concerns. These issues should have been resolved before the 2025 debates to uphold the dignity and integrity of the legislature.

5. TLC’s Social Impact Model: A Best Practice for Sustainability

Some have criticized TLC for hosting events. These events are just the beginning of the social impact initiatives TLC and their partners will undertake aimed at long-term sustainability.

• TLC is utilizing a diversified funding model that includes revenue-generating activities—a key pillar of global best practices for sustainability.

• For anyone that has hosted an event they will know that events do not generate much revenue, but they strengthen communities and uplift spirits. Strengthening communities and uplifting spirits is crucial to national well-being. Why oppose that?

• If revenue-generating activities are a concern, we must ask: Is there resistance to sustainability?

• Is the goal to see TLC fail rather than thrive and continue serving Emaswati? Who stands to gain by undermining sustainability and blocking progress?

6. Government Is Not Obliged to Support TLC — And We Respect That

TLC acknowledges that the Government of Eswatini is not obliged to support TLC, and we fully respect that decision if that is the government’s stance.

• TLC does not operate with an entitlement mentality. We are servants to the nation, offering our services where they are desired.

• We remain committed to serving mankind both locally and globally with willing partners. If the government decides TLC is not a suitable partner, we will continue to seek partnerships where they are valued and desired.

• However, if the concern is truly about the well-being of the people, then decisions should be based on facts, not misinformation or political maneuvering.

7. If Truth Mattered, The Right Questions Would Be Asked

Instead of engaging in political games, policymakers should be asking:

• Why has no formal request for clarification been submitted to TLC before making public accusations? The only objective and legitimate process that has occurred is the Parliament Select Committee of 2024, for which we are very grateful. When this law-abiding committee asked for documents, TLC submitted over 300 pages of supporting evidence. It remains a mystery why this report has not been actioned and why the resolutions of Parliament are being ignored.

• Why is unverified corridor talk and gossip taken as fact while documented reports are ignored?

• Why is an organization that provides life-saving healthcare being attacked instead of supported? Is this a fight against TLC or against Emaswati? Who is benefiting from endless falsehoods and misinformation?

• Why is Senator Lizzie Nkosi, who refused to appear before the Parliament Select Committee, allowed to continue spreading misinformation in the Senate without accountability? Lawmakers should be held to the highest standards of truth and integrity.

TLC has operated with the highest standards of financial and programmatic accountability while serving hundreds of thousands of Emaswati.

So, the real question remains: Does truth matter?
Now is the moment to stand for truth.

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