INTERIM PRESIDENT ‘NOT WELCOME’ AT ESA

MBABANE – In an unexpected move, Welcome Nhlabatsi, the interim President and Coach of the Eswatini Swimming Association (ESA), has been frozen pending an ongoing investigation.

Last year’s annual general meeting (AGM) of the Eswatini Swimming Association (ESA) was held at Living Waters Primary School and resulted in the appointment of Welcome Nhlabatsi as the interim president and coach. This decision was made in response to a series of resignations from the ESA Board, including three board members - Michelle Hoy, Linda Hoy and Kirsty Larkan, who resigned simultaneously. In addition, Herman Jele, the former President, submitted his resignation in August 2023.

New developments have come to light regarding Nhlabatsi. According to a source within the ESA, Nhlabatsi has been suspended with immediate effect pending an investigation.
A letter detailing the suspension was shared with the publication yesterday afternoon, providing further clarity on the circumstances surrounding Nhlabatsi’s sidelining from the ESA’s activities.

Investigation

“The ESA Executive Board would like to inform the membership that the Acting President. Mr Welcome Nhlabatsi has been requested to stop performing his duties pending investigation of allegations that have been made against him. The executive requests your cooperation and understanding as we undergo the process of investigation,” reads part of the letter in part.
The ESA Secretary General, Nozipho Mahlalela, confirmed with the publication that Nhlabatsi’s suspension was indeed initiated in order to conduct an investigation into his actions.
According to Mahlalela, Nhlabatsi was instructed to stop executing all the association’s duties.“I can confirm that Welcome Nhlabatsi has been suspended from his role as interim president pending the conclusion of an investigation. It is important to note that I cannot share any further details at this time, as the investigation is ongoing and must be conducted with the utmost confidentiality,” she said.

Despite being questioned by the publication about the status of Nhlabatsi’s employment and the identity of his potential replacement, Mahlalela remained tight-lipped on these matters.
She cited confidentiality concerns related to the ongoing investigation, stating that the board had not yet reached a decision regarding these issues. Nhlabatsi on the hand confirmed receiving the letter, but did not comment further until he met with the relevant stakeholders.
 

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