PM CHANGES TUNE ON ACC TASK TEAM

MBABANE – Government has disputed the prime minister’s (PM)  leadership role in the Anti-Corruption Task Team, a stark contrast to what was said when the team was formed.

To support the new narrative, government has also shared terms of reference for the task team13 months later after it was formed.

The Anti-Corruption Task Team was appointed on February 12, 2024, by the PM.

The Eswatini government has clarified the role of Prime Minister (PM) Russell Mmiso Dlamini within the established Tripartite Anti-Corruption Task Team, vehemently denying claims that he has appointed himself as its chairperson or head.

Enquiries

This clarification comes after growing public scrutiny and enquiries regarding the team’s leadership structure.

Government, through a press statement issued by spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo, shared the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the multi-disciplinary task team, a document that had remained undisclosed for 13 months. The release aimed at dispelling what government describes as a ‘misinterpretation’ of the PM’s position.

Nxumalo addressed the prevailing perception that the PM had assumed direct leadership of the task team, stating that the ToR explicitly defines the chairperson’s role.

“It is important for the nation to understand that the formulation of this task team was done as a response to the outcry of emaSwati expressed at Sibaya, as well as His Majesty’s call for the eradication of corruption in the country,” Nxumalo emphasised.

“This task team does not interfere with the judicial processes of investigating and prosecuting corruption cases, but rather coordinates and facilitates the fast-tracking of high-profile investigations and prosecutions relative to fraud, corruption and other serious offences within the law enforcement institutions of Eswatini,” he added.

Designated

According to the ToR, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has been designated as the coordinating body for the task team. Consequently, the commissioner of the ACC holds the position of chairperson. The task team is structured into a council, an Operational Team, and Administration Officers.

The council, serving as the governing body, is responsible for regulating the task team’s affairs, including the appointment of its office bearers.

The ToR outlines the composition of the task team, which includes representation from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), and the director of public prosecutions (DPP), as well as other co-opted members as invited by the team. Key stakeholders include the attorney general, the Auditor General’s Office, the Financial Intelligence Unit and the Eswatini Revenue Authority.

Nxumalo clarified that the PM and the minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs receive regular feedback reports on the task team’s work and progress.

Stressed

He stressed that this reporting mechanism does not equate to direct leadership.

“It is important for the prime minister and the minister for Justice to be able to track progress in order to report back to the nation, which is already agitated enough about the nagging corruption scourge in the country,” he stated.

Furthermore, Nxumalo addressed the misconception that the task team is comprised of specific individuals, clarifying that the agencies themselves, rather than their current leaders, are represented.

Further, government disputed that the task team investigate cases. According to the shared ToR, the primary objective of the task team is to facilitate inter-agency coordination and cooperation.  In this regard the task team will provide advisory, consultative and referral functions.  

The ToR adds that during the course of its activities the task team will:  

l     Evaluate the results of forensic audits and assessments concluded by both internal and external agencies (e.g audit institutions) concerning fraud and corruption in Eswatini with special reference to public sector fraud and corruption.  
l     Advise law enforcement agencies regarding the appropriate course of investigative action to be taken in respect of the various governing mandates of each of the law enforcement institutions in Eswatini (with particular reference to the Anti-Corruption Commission and Royal Eswatini Police Service).  

l     Foster and facilitate inter-agency cooperation in order to speedily and effectively facilitate the completion of the investigations and prosecutions of high profile matters resulting from inter alia forensic audits and assessments.   

This clarification stands in contrast to the prime minister’s statement on February 24, 2024, when the task team was launched. At that time, the PM said the consisting of the Acting DPP Lomvula Hlophe, Acting National Commissioner of Police Lydia Dlamini, and Acting ACC Commissioner Maphevu Mkhatshwa, would report directly to him. He also outlined the team’s mandate, which includes investigating corruption allegations, prosecuting cases, implementing preventive measures and strengthening legal frameworks.

The ToR also details the reporting and financial accountability mechanisms, stating that the chairperson will provide an annual financial report to the prime minister for review and subsequent budget allocation. This mechanism, government argues, is for oversight and transparency, and does not signify direct control. The release of the ToR and government’s clarification aimed to provide clarity and transparency regarding the task team’s operations, addressing public concerns and ensuring accountability in the fight against corruption in Eswatini.

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