By Ntombi Mhlongo
The Association of Christian Artists in Eswatini (ACAESWA) has said that there is no bad blood between it and the recently resigned President Phetsile Masilela.
Instead, the association said Masilela requested to step down as she had a lot of commitments. ACAESWA Public Relations Officer Nhlanhla Mathunjwa said the musician first informed the association verbally that she no longer had time to execute her duties, something which the members did not accept.
“What we can state is that even when she was re-elected, she actually informed the association that she had too many commitments. We negotiated with her and she accepted the position. What has happened now is that she felt it was too much and asked to step down,” said Mathunjwa.
He highlighted that as an association, they would have loved to finish the current term with Masilela still at the helm.
“She has really worked hard for the association, and it is a big loss now that she has stepped down. We wish her all the best,” he said.
Masilela made history in 2019 when she was elected as the first female president of ACAESWA. Before that, the association had been led by male presidents who included Sikelela Qwabe, Dumisani Manana, Ntsika Fakudze, Nathi Dlamini, Mhlonishwa Motsa, Zakhele Ginindza, Mzwakhe Myeni, and Mathokoza Mtetwa.
Meanwhile, Mathunjwa explained that Masilela has only resigned from the position of president, but she will continue to be a member of the association.
