Correcting Misinformation in Eswatini Observer Article, 30 Mar. 2025, Written by Sibusiso Dlamini
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
31 March 2025
A Parliament That Serves the People Is Not a “Cabal”
The Luke Commission (TLC) notes the article in the Eswatini Observer, “Bennett calls for party reforms following TLC funding controversy” (30 March 2025, Page 10). Once again, headlines are being used to distract from a system that worked exactly as intended. TLC has shown what’s possible—and for some, that’s uncomfortable.
Recent statements—including the claim that Parliament acted as a “cabal”—are not only reckless, but a direct attack on the integrity of our Constitution, the Parliament elected to serve Emaswati, and the rule of law itself.
“Was this done unknowingly, or rather a deliberate move by a cabal to push public funds without due diligence?” — Eswatini Observer, 30 March 2025, Page 10
This kind of language undermines the institutions that hold our nation together. Parliament is constitutionally mandated to allocate national resources.
To question the legislative framework because it worked as designed is a dangerous overreach. The process only became “problematic” when Parliament allocated 0.15% of the national budget to a healthcare institution trusted by the people.
This is not about technical procedure. It’s an attempt to discredit institutions acting on behalf of those they were elected to serve. Parliament acted transparently and within its constitutional mandate. That is not a “cabal.” That is representative leadership.
Meanwhile, private, "unminuted" and "unrecorded" meetings—words originally used by Mr. Bennett himself to describe what he alleged was happening within Parliament—now appear to reflect his own coordination with Ms. Nkosi and Mr. Mbongeni Mbingo raise far more serious concerns about transparency than anything Parliament has done. If governance is the issue, scrutiny should begin with those operating in the shadows. This appears to be a coordinated effort by a small group to discredit legitimate processes under the guise of reform.
Mr. Bennett had his time as a lawmaker. Ms. Nkosi had her time as Minister of Health. If they wanted to reform the healthcare system, they had their time in office to do so. It is now time to let those elected to lead do their job—without sabotage or interference from behind the curtain. It is also time to stop using Senate privileges to pursue personal agendas under the cover of public service.
Ironically, both Mr. Bennett and Ms. Nkosi relied heavily on TLC’s services—without providing the resources or support needed to sustain that care. The same system they now attack served them without bias or complaint, always focused on the VIPs (Very Important Patients) in need. And if we’re speaking of public representation, the record is clear: TLC has responded to more than 1.5 million patient visits from Emaswati who have not only sought our support, but trusted us to walk with them in the hardest moments of their lives.
When influence slips and public service replaces private control, the process is suddenly labeled flawed. These attacks are not reform. They are backlash against a system working in the best interest of the people.
This spectacle isn’t about accountability—it’s about punishing those who dare to serve transparently, urgently, and outside political influence.
After 20 years of operating without Eswatini government financial support, TLC received an E30 million allocation in 2024—7% of its annual expenditures. The outrage wasn’t about the amount—it was about citizen-centered budgeting.
And like any transparent partnership, the movement of funds followed proper procedures. A formal agreement was signed. Utilization reports were submitted. Everything was documented and compliant. Despite repeated false claims, there was no secret deal. No deviation from agreed standards.
At a time when global aid is demanding efficiency, excellence, and collaboration, we are instead making headlines for baseless accusations, presented as journalism. The world is watching—asking why proven solutions are attacked while dysfunction goes untouched.
This is about defending the constitutional institutions designed to serve the people—Parliament included—without threats, sabotage, or slander.
TLC will continue to serve with what resources it has available—with or without applause, and certainly without corruption. And we will stand for the constitutional and legislative frameworks that have guided our nation, and for the lawful institutions that uphold them.
If we are serious about reform, let it start with honesty.
For further inquiries, please contact: Lindani Sifundza, Director of Communications, The Luke Commission +268 7808 7200
