By Thokozani Mazibuko
In a robust statement, Government Spokesperson Alpheus Nxumalo defended Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini against what he termed a “well-designed smear campaign”.
Nxumalo’s remarks arose in response to a series of negative reports and insinuations regarding the Prime Minister’s tenure at the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA).
Nxumalo suggested that a particular political conspiracy is behind the continuous scrutiny of the Prime Minister,
aiming not only to tarnish his name but also to undermine his reputation as a committed leader within the government.
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He emphasized that despite the Prime Minister undergoing eight independent audits during his leadership at NDMA—with no findings of impropriety—he remains the subject of ongoing allegations and criticism.
The spokesperson pointed out the inconsistency in how different individuals facing allegations of corruption are treated in the public eye.
“Interestingly, attention and publicity are not given to many individuals who have been found corrupt with ample evidence,” Nxumalo remarked.
He recalled a moment when a member of Parliament, during discussions in the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), stated that “KUYABONAKALA KUTSI SIDLA SONKHE” (it is clear that we are all eating together), highlighting a perception that accountability is not uniformly applied.
According to Nxumalo, the government’s focus on fighting corruption is undermined by the pursuit of baseless allegations against innocent officials, distracting from the real issues.
“The temptation to ignore those who are truly corrupt and instead chase after the wind in the name of exposing corruption is a misguided strategy,” he said.
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He further articulated that the overarching aim of these smear campaigns appears to be aimed at dampening the resolve of the government and its commitment to combat corruption.
Nxumalo reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance against corruption, aligning it with the people’s directive expressed during the SIBAYA, or people’s parliament.
“The Honourable Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has tied his administration’s end and beginning to this cause.
There’s no turning back!” Nxumalo declared, emphasizing that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to fighting corruption and delivering on its promises to the citizens.
