KING’S DUTY TO APPROVE GOVT SPOKESPERSON

The seemingly mundane matter of appointing a government spokesperson often escapes rigorous public discourse, yet its implications for national image and effective governance are profound.

In the Kingdom of Eswatini, this appointment carries particular significance, given the unique constitutional landscape where His Majesty the King reigns as Head of State. I argue that the appointment of the government press secretary, or spokesperson, should unequivocally fall under the King’s prerogative, ensuring harmony between the government’s pronouncements and the sovereign’s vision.

This assertion arises from a fundamental principle that the King, as the embodiment of the Swati nation, is frequently called upon in international fora to address queries concerning his government’s policies and actions. It is, after all, His Majesty’s government. This reality was starkly illustrated during an incident involving former Prime Minister (PM) Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini and the then-Government Press Secretary, Percy Simelane, now Director of Communications in the King’s Office.

While the precise details of Simelane’s contractual status at the time – whether it was expiration or retirement – remain hazy in my memory, the ex-PM’s handling of the situation exposed a critical constitutional lacuna. Dlamini, despite his esteemed position, sought to manage Simelane’s tenure without, in my view, due deference to the King’s perspective.

The continuation or termination of a government press secretary’s service should ultimately rest with the head of State. This individual is charged with articulating and defending the positions of the State and the government, and the King, as the personification of the State, must have unwavering confidence in the individual entrusted with this sensitive role.

The notion that Cabinet alone should determine the suitability of a government spokesperson is, I believe, inherently flawed. What if the King, the ultimate employer in this context, is entirely content with the spokesperson’s performance while Cabinet desires a change? Conversely, I want to talk today, what if the head of State harbours reservations about Cabinet’s preferred candidate? The position is inherently political, often demanding nuanced understanding and deft navigation of sensitive information.

Lobby

It is not a prize to be bestowed upon political loyalists or a consolation offering for aspiring Cabinet members. One does not simply ascend Hospital Hill to lobby for such a role. The King requires a trusted communicator, a skilled ‘spin doctor’, capable of effectively articulating and defending his government’s actions both domestically and internationally. The government press secretary must project an image of government that aligns seamlessly with the head of State’s vision for the nation.

The importance of a competent and trusted government spokesperson has been recognised throughout history. Winston Churchill, during his wartime leadership, understood the vital role of effective communication in rallying the nation and projecting strength to the world. Similarly, Franklin D Roosevelt’s fireside chats demonstrated the power of direct communication to build public trust and support. These leaders understood that the voice of government is a powerful instrument of leadership.

Many countries around the world recognise the significance of the government spokesperson role, elevating it to ministerial or equivalent status.
In the United States, the White House press secretary operates at a near-Cabinet level. France and Germany also accord significant status to their government spokespersons, reflecting the international understanding of the strategic importance of this function.

Individuals like Jen Psaki, former White House Press Secretary and Alistair Campbell, Tony Blair’s formidable Director of Communications, have demonstrated the profound impact a skilled communicator can have on shaping public perception and managing crises. Even fictional portrayals, such as CJ Cregg in ‘The West Wing’, highlight the demanding and influential nature of the role.

The relationship between heads of State and their spokespersons is often characterised by close collaboration and implicit trust. Margaret Thatcher’s relationship with Bernard Ingham, her long-serving Press Secretary, exemplified this dynamic. I would have done injustice if I do not enlighten emaSwati that effective communication requires a deep understanding of the leader’s thinking and priorities.

The White House press secretary’s role is particularly illuminating. This individual serves as the primary liaison between the president, the administration and the media, shaping the narrative surrounding presidential actions and policies. The press secretary engages daily with the president, the secretary of State, and other senior officials to ensure consistent messaging and articulate the administration’s agenda effectively.

It is worth noting that Alpheous Nxumalo, the current Press Secretary for the Kingdom of Eswatini, faces considerable opposition from certain political factions and their affiliated online commentators. Appointed during a period of civil unrest, Nxumalo was tasked with managing the image of both the government and the State during a tumultuous time. Interestingly, while Cabinet had initially endorsed my esteemed brother, Vuyi Kunene, a true intellectual force, for the role, circumstances ultimately led to Nxumalo’s appointment and subsequent collaboration with then-Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini.

A significant development in the role of government spokesperson has emerged under Nxumalo’s tenure. Prior to his appointment, it was unprecedented for His Majesty the King to include a government press secretary in his delegation for international engagements. However, Alpheous (Nxumalo) now frequently accompanies the King on such trips. This shift undeniably signals a heightened level of trust and reliance placed upon the current press secretary by the head of State.

It is important to emphasise that any allegations of wrongdoing or unlawful conduct against him should be thoroughly investigated by the appropriate authorities. The police are well-equipped to handle such matters and understand the importance of presenting substantiated evidence to the Head of State. His Majesty relies on accurate and comprehensive information to remain fully informed of any developments concerning his government, particularly those involving individuals in close proximity to him.

It should be acknowledged that the King has consistently demonstrated a commitment to upholding the rule of law and has not shielded individuals from accountability when credible evidence of unlawful activity is presented.

Campaigns

Therefore, any attempts to undermine Nxumalo’s position through unsubstantiated accusations or politically motivated campaigns are unlikely to succeed. Furthermore, the deliberate dissemination of false information intended to destabilise the nation’s leadership should be treated with the utmost seriousness. Such actions constitute a clear threat to public order and warrant decisive action to protect the integrity of the State. I want to emphasise that the responsibility of speaking for a nation is paramount, a duty often assumed by the head of State.

However, the designated spokesperson plays a vital supporting role, amplifying and clarifying the national message. This symbiotic relationship is essential for effective governance and international engagement. In Eswatini, the interplay between the King, the prime minister and the government spokesperson is crucial for projecting a unified and coherent national voice.

By entrusting the appointment of the government spokesperson to His Majesty the King, Eswatini can ensure this critical position is filled by an individual who enjoys the sovereign’s complete trust and can effectively articulate the nation’s aspirations and policies on the global stage. This is not merely a matter of protocol; it is a matter of ensuring that the voice of Eswatini resonates with clarity, authority and the full weight of the kingdom’s leadership.

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