MBABANE – ESCCOM has launched a confidential whistleblowing mechanism to allow the public to report suspected wrongdoing at the regulator.
The initiative, known as Khuluma, is aimed at strengthening integrity, transparency and accountability within the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM).
Under the theme ‘Khuluma for Integrity’, the regulator is encouraging its employees, stakeholders and members of the public to speak up when they become aware of suspected misconduct.
ESCCOM said the mechanism provides a safe and confidential platform for reporting suspected fraud, malpractice, mismanagement, criminal conduct, unsafe practices and other irregular behaviour.
The toll-free reporting line, 800 100 9, is available to ESCCOM employees, licensees, contractors, consumers and all emaSwati.
Reports will be handled through an independent third-party channel managed by SNG Grant Thornton, which ESCCOM said was intended to protect the identities of whistleblowers.
Those who choose not to remain anonymous may also report suspected wrongdoing through [esccom@thecorruptiononline.com](mailto:esccom@thecorruptiononline.com).
ESCCOM said no person would suffer any penalty, retaliation, harassment or informal pressure for reporting suspected or actual misconduct in good faith.
The protection is provided in line with the regulator’s Code of Ethics Policy and applicable legislation.
The commission said whistleblowers would not be expected to prove an allegation before making a report.
Instead, a person would only need to have reasonable grounds for concern and provide relevant information, including the background to the matter, key dates where available and the reason for raising the concern.
Examples of conduct that can be reported include theft or misuse of ESCCOM assets, false accounting, providing misleading or deceptive information, abuse of position, fraud, malpractice, mismanagement, criminal conduct and other irregular practices.
The launch comes as the importance of whistleblowing and protection of people who report suspected wrongdoing continues to receive attention in Eswatini.
This publication recently reported on concerns raised during discussions around whistleblower protection, including the need to ensure that people who report wrongdoing are protected from retaliation.
The issue has also featured in previous cases reported by this publication, where information provided by whistleblowers has led to investigations into alleged irregularities.
Separately, this publication recently reported on an ESCCOM investigation involving alleged financial irregularities of about E17 million.
Police had also confirmed that a separate case involving an alleged E720 559.79 fraud at ESCCOM had been reported.
The allegations have not been tested in court.
However, the financial irregularities form part of the broader context in which systems for reporting suspected misconduct and strengthening institutional accountability are receiving attention.
ESCCOM Acting Chief Executive Ozzie Thakatha said the Khuluma initiative was intended to encourage responsible reporting and strengthen public confidence in the regulator.
The commission said the public would receive more information on the initiative as it raises awareness about how and when suspected misconduct can be reported safely.
ESCCOM said reporting wrongdoing in good faith should not be regarded as betrayal, but as an act of loyalty to the organisation, the communications sector and Eswatini.
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