EZULWINI - Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Prince Simelane could only nod his head and smile as revelations about what is crippling the fight against corruption in the country were laid bare yesterday.
This was during the workshop for Members of Parliament (MPs) on the ratification of international legal instruments held at the Happy Valley Hotel and Casino yesterday.
It was Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Legal Advisor Linda Dlamini who bravely spilt the beans, and this he did as he responded to questions that had been raised by MPs after he had made a presentation to motivate them for their approval for the country to ratify the African Union (AU) Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption.
It is worth noting that Dlamini’s submission has been made by the minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs on various occasions.
Dlamini first called on the MPs to play a more active role in restoring Eswatini’s fight against corruption, warning that recent legal and procedural challenges are undermining progress and risking the country’s economic future.
“It can help us as MPs if we can get to a point where we are the solution that is needed in the country. As we are here as ACC, we do wish that MPs would walk with us and not distance themselves from us. Because yes, we will admit that there are challenges,” Dlamini said.
He reflected on a period of progress around 2014, when Eswatini was performing strongly on the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index. At the time, the country was on an upward trajectory and ranked alongside some European nations, signalling a positive investment climate. “This meant that businesses that wanted to come and invest in our country showed a lot of interest. The reason we made such an achievement was that the screws were tight, ‘Lalukhala lifosi’,” he said.
However, he noted that progress stalled around 2016, likening the situation to a car in motion while its handbrake was pulled up, causing it to spin in circles rather than move forward.
“It happened in such a way that it was like someone had pulled the hand brake. The car ends up not going forward but just in circles and those watching you can be seen clapping their hands as they watch that scenario,” he explained.
According to Dlamini, part of the problem lies in systemic constraints affecting how the ACC operates. He said while the commission conducts investigations, it must hand over cases to the director of public prosecutions (DPP), who then initiates the legal process for arrests.
*…
… why no arrests for cyber criminals? - MPs
EZULWINI - Members of Parliament (MPs) have demanded answers on why there are fewer arrests for people who spread false information about others on social media platforms.
They also raised a litany of other issues related to the protection of data and monetisation for content creators, among other issues.
The issues were raised during the second day of a workshop for MPs on the ratification of international legal instruments.
Discussions focused on agreements under the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), including the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection, the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime and the Tampere Convention.
Mtsambama MP Sibongile Mamba questioned whether citizens’ data is currently protected and raised fears about potential risks following ratification.
“My concern is with data protection. Is it protected currently or will that happen once we have ratified?” she asked. “These days, a lot of money gets lost through scams. Will we not face the same with our data once we have ratified?”
She also highlighted ongoing challenges with internet connectivity, warning that poor network coverage could hinder the effective implementation of such conventions.
In response, officials assured MPs that a legal framework for data protection is already in place and operational. However, they noted that individuals must report breaches for action to be taken.
“We can assure the nation that now that we have a law, it will safeguard the protection and use of data. However, the onus is on the person to reach out to the authority if there has been a breach,” the officials said, adding that the office, established in 2023, is already holding offenders accountable while educating the public.
Timphisini MP Thulani Nsingwane raised concern over online harassment, particularly by individuals using anonymous or fake accounts.
“Will there be a way to deal with those who insult and degrade others on social media platforms and use fake accounts?” he asked.
*…
‘Play your part, enact proper laws’
EZULWINI - Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu has thrown a challenge to MPs to play a role in the enactment of laws that will help the country win the fight against corruption.
In particular, the minister advised that Members of Parliament should make it a point that they bring in laws that will bring the much-needed solution.
Notably, the MPs spent a better time criticising and exposing the flaws of institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), saying it is not doing enough. In fact, some of the MPs said the ACC does nothing literally and has, for years, failed to get those found to be involved in corruption arrested. Also, the MPs decried that the ACC does investigations, but in the end, it is only the small fish who get arrested. Also, the MPs said the laws of the country are seemingly not as strong enough to help the country win the fight against corruption. Somntongo MP Sandile Nxumalo submitted that he has lost hope in the fight against corruption. Nxumalo said that some years ago, government engaged top experts such as Thanda Mngwengwe who assumed the position of ACC boss, but that the battle against corruption has still not been won. “The unfortunate part is that despite roping in experts, we have witnessed the same thing over the years. Those who are politically connected become untouchables,” Nxumalo submitted.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
