MBABANE – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has renewed the contract of Alpheous Nxumalo as Government Spokesperson.
He will get back all his benefits, including a salary, telephone allowance and other benefits he was enjoying.
The development comes four months after his contract lapsed in May this year.
A statement by the Chairman of the CSC, Simanga Mamba, released yesterday evening states that Nxumalo will, however, be placed on special leave, pending the charges he face.
Mamba said Nxumalo is innocent until proven guilty.
Narrating the events leading to his reengagement, Mamba said the decision to renew the contract was based on the consideration that at the time of the lapse of the contract and before Nxumalo was criminally charged in April 2025, the CSC had already issued an offer of contract renewal in February 2025.
This was three months before the lapse of the initial contract.
“The offer had been accepted by the other party. The offer to renew the contract was issued after the ministry in-charge had recommended the contract renewal. Nxumalo, as a party to the contract, had a legitimate expectation based on the notice of renewal to have his contract renewed with the benefits attached in the contract.”
Added Mamba: “Nxumalo is innocent until proven guilty. Legally, the commission has no legal basis to withdraw the offer to his prejudice.”
He then announced that the commission had taken a decision to place Nxumalo on leave of absence, pending his criminal matter in court as per the provisions of the General Orders that civil servants who are criminally charged are to be suspended pending the finalisation of their criminal proceedings.
“The commission will await the outcome of the criminal proceedings to determine the future of Nxumalo in the Civil Service,” the statement reads.
Nxumalo faces rape charges involving two siblings aged 17 and 18. However, he is contesting the constitutionality of the law under which he was charged.
In his application, Nxumalo seeks a declaration that his prosecution is unlawful, irregular and unconstitutional.
He also wants the criminal proceedings against him to be set aside, pending determination of the constitutional issues.
At the heart of Nxumalo’s argument is the claim that the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) Act was improperly passed.
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