By Ncaba Ntshakala
The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini has expressed its dissatisfaction with an article published in The Star newspaper on September 19, 2024, titled “Eswatini King in New Bid to Stifle Freedom of the Media.”
In a statement from Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo, the government clarified its stance on media regulation, categorically rejecting the article’s claims as unfounded.
Nxumalo emphasized that His Majesty King Mswati III does not oversee the drafting of legislative bills, asserting that this responsibility lies with Cabinet Ministers and Parliament.
He confirmed that there is currently no legislation in Parliament aimed at regulating or limiting media freedom, contrary to the assertions made by The Star.
“To clarify, His Majesty the King does not oversee bills in our legislative framework. That duty belongs to Cabinet Ministers and Parliament, where bills are publicly debated and passed,” Nxumalo stated.
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“Furthermore, the government firmly asserts that there is no bill in Parliament designed to unduly regulate the media in Eswatini, as claimed in the article.”
Nxumalo remarked that the government has always maintained that media regulation should be a self-regulatory endeavor led by the media itself, without governmental interference.
“The government believes that the media should create a self-regulatory mechanism without government involvement or guidance.
We urge the media to stop delaying and actively pursue this process,” the statement emphasized.
The issue of media regulation has been a topic of discussion since former journalist and Mbabane East Member of Parliament, Welcome Dlamini, suggested in November 2023 that government intervention was necessary due to the media’s failure to self-regulate.
The Observer reported that Dlamini, who also serves as the President of the Swaziland National Association of Journalists (SNAJ), made these comments during the second day of a five-day induction conference for Parliamentarians.
His remarks followed a presentation by the Chairman of the Editor’s Forum and Managing Editor of Eswatini Observer, Mbongeni Mbingo, who addressed the relationship between the media and Parliament.
During the session, Mbingo pointed out that since the enactment of the Media Council Bill almost 20 years ago, the media has struggled to achieve self-regulation.
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Dlamini noted that the media had two decades to establish self-regulation but failed due to divisions among media houses.
He cited instances where journalists from Times of Eswatini were not reported in the Eswatini Observer and vice versa, as well as the inability to secure funding for a media complaints commission.
“Given your failure to self-regulate, perhaps the government should consider reinstating State regulation since you haven’t managed to do so for over 20 years,” Dlamini proposed.
He argued that State regulation could be beneficial, mentioning the media’s role in inciting the political unrest of 2021, with narratives being controlled from outside the newsrooms.
Dlamini shared his personal experience, stating he felt compelled to flee due to being viewed as pro-system, while those opposing the system felt secure.
Hhukwini MP Alec Lushaba, a former Managing Editor at Rubicon Media Group, remarked on the importance of not viewing the media as an adversary.
He recalled how the Prime Minister previously held breakfast meetings with the Editors Forum, allowing editors to question Cabinet members on various topics.
Lushaba stressed that the media serves the public and acknowledged some of Dlamini’s points as valid.
He encouraged the Speaker and the Senate President to foster a better relationship with the media and for Parliament to assist in addressing the missing laws related to self-regulation.
Mbingo admitted that “self-regulation has not occurred,” explaining that this is not solely due to the media’s shortcomings but also the structure of media ownership in the country.
At that time, Mbingo highlighted the challenges of engaging with different media owners, suggesting that publications should work together on self-regulation.
In his statement, Nxumalo reiterated King Mswati III’s long-standing support for media freedom and highlighted the King’s direct communication with the media, especially after international engagements.
“Without delving into the inaccuracies of the main source of this story, contrary to the claims made, His Majesty King Mswati III has consistently championed media freedom in Eswatini.
He is among the few Heads of State in the SADC region who reports directly to the media following each State visit or international engagement,” Nxumalo asserted.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to upholding press freedom as enshrined in Section 24 of the national constitution, reiterating Eswatini’s dedication to constitutionalism and the promotion of media rights.
In conclusion, the government assured all concerned parties that it remains a nation committed to constitutionalism and the rights and freedoms of the press as outlined in Section 24 of the national constitution.
The partnership between the government and the free press in Eswatini will continue to be nurtured and upheld.
“The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini takes this opportunity to assure everyone that we are committed to constitutionalism and uphold the rights and freedom of the press as enshrined in our national constitution.
The partnership forged between the government and the free press in Eswatini will continue to be advanced and protected,” the spokesperson concluded.