MANZINI – Philani Maswati Chairman Lutfo Dlamini has confirmed opening a case against an individual who allegedly circulated damaging social media allegations about him following controversy involving money collected from members of the public ahead of the Nhlangano Best Braai.
In an official press statement dated November 5, 2026, the organisation said the individual, described as a Philani Maswati Charity volunteer, had previously been found guilty by the Nhlangano Magistrates Court in a matter involving funds belonging to the charity.
According to the organisation, the volunteer allegedly collected money from members of the public who intended to attend the Nhlangano Best Braai, promising them entry to the event while representing the organisation.
However, the organisation said the funds had not been recovered and it continued to receive complaints from additional members of the public who alleged that they had been defrauded by the individual.
The chairman reportedly opened the initial case in the interest of protecting the organisation’s integrity and ensuring accountability over the money collected in its name.
The financial controversy has now taken another turn, with the organisation alleging that the individual has been circulating claims on social media suggesting an intimate relationship.
Philani Maswati described the allegations as an apparent attempt to divert public attention from the outstanding financial matter, which it said remained unresolved.
According to the statement, the chairman has initiated a separate legal process concerning alleged defamation of character and violations under the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) legislation.
The organisation said these matters would be addressed through the appropriate legal channels.
Philani Maswati further stated that it would not be distracted by what it described as orchestrated media manipulation aimed at diverting attention from the outstanding financial matters.
It said its priority remained the recovery of the organisation’s funds and the protection of its beneficiaries, stakeholders and sponsors.
The organisation also appealed to the media and members of the public to exercise restraint and refrain from entertaining unverified allegations while the relevant processes unfold.
Meanwhile, the organisation has issued an apology to its sponsors, partners, stakeholders and members of the public over the controversy, particularly those who allegedly lost money in the Nhlangano Best Braai-related incident.
In the statement, Philani Maswati expressed regret over the inconvenience and reputational discomfort caused by the recent publicity, acknowledging that the developments had affected parties who associate themselves with and support the organisation’s work.
The apology was extended to Her Majesty the Indlovukazi, who serves as the patron of the organisation, with Philani Maswati acknowledging her position and association with the charity.
The organisation also apologised to its sponsors and partners, who may have been affected by the negative publicity surrounding the allegations and the outstanding financial matter.
Of particular concern were members of the public who allegedly parted with their money after being promised entry to the Nhlangano Best Braai by the volunteer.
The organisation acknowledged the complaints from those who claimed to have been defrauded, noting that the money had yet to be recovered despite the court proceedings involving the individual.
It appealed for continued prayers, patience and support as it worked towards resolving the outstanding matters, including efforts to recover the funds.
The apology comes as the organisation seeks to protect its reputation and reassure its stakeholders that the controversy would not derail its charitable responsibilities and commitment to serving the community.
Philani Maswati reiterated its commitment to accountability, transparency and its mandate of serving the community.
The opening of the separate case concerning alleged defamation of character and violations under the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) legislation was also confirmed by Senior Superintendent Phindile Zwane, Chief Police Information and Communications Officer (PICO) of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS). Zwane said the police were aware of the matter and that investigations were underway.
“We are aware of the matter and it is under investigations,” she said.
The statement was issued by Communications and Marketing representative Sipholesihle LaSishayi Nxumalo on behalf of Philani Maswati Charity Organisation.
