MANZINI - Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo, has publicly apologised for making unpalatable statements in an audio that went viral on social media platforms.
In the audio, Nxumalo is heard directing the statements, which cannot be repeated for ethical reasons, to Prime Minister (PM) Russell Dlamini. He issued an apology during a press conference at Global Village, Madonsa under the Manzini North Constituency.
The embattled government spokesperson acknowledged the circulating voice recording and its content that indeed it is he who made those utterances, but claimed he was unaware that he was being recorded during the conversation and that it would be published. Nxumalo apologised to Their Majesties (the King and Queen Mother), the PM, government and the nation at large, stating that the language he used was not only inappropriate and offensive, but also in poor taste.
He emphasised that such language was particularly unacceptable when directed at someone holding a high-ranking position like that of a PM. He said he is alive to the fact that when the King appoints a PM, he expects government and the nation to work hand-in-hand and support him.
The government spokesperson explained that on the day in question, when the audio began circulating on social media, he had just come from a hectic meeting with the PM in Mbabane. As a result, he said his hypertension was abnormal, prompting him to seek medical attention. He highlighted that he was blocked from accessing an online media platform, from which he usually receives stories through individuals who send them to him.
He said on that particular day, someone sent him a story published by an online publication and after noting the pattern where the online publication would often publish something about discussions contained in his meetings with the PM, he read the article with the sole aim of understanding the reported content. While he confirmed that the story was indeed about the meeting, he alleged that it did not accurately reflect what had transpired.
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‘I remain govt spokesperson’
MANZINI - “I am the government spokesperson in full,” says Alpheous Nxumalo.
He said this while responding to a question that was posed by the media on whether he is still the government spokesperson. He clarified that this assertion comes after the renewal of his contract on September 17, 2025, by the Civil Service Commission (CSC), following its expiration in May 2025. He confirmed that he signed all the necessary documents and was granted special leave to monitor his ongoing case of allegedly contravening the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act 15 of 2018. However, he acknowledged that his resumption of duty form has not been signed yet. Despite this, he affirmed that he has a valid contract with government. Nxumalo is facing two rape charges of allegedly contravening the SODV Act 15 of 2016. In the first count is alleged that between May 2024 and August 2024, he sexually violated a 17-year-old minor. The second count suggests that he sexually abused an 18-year-old girl between 2023 to August 2024. However, he is challenging the constitutionality of the SODV Act. Both matters are pending before court.
Meanwhile, a questionnaire was sent to Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli yesterday afternoon. She was asked whether the prime minister (PM) has accepted Nxumalo’s apology and what the government’s position regarding the matter is. Mdluli was also asked whether her office was aware of a meeting that took place between the PM and Nxumalo, either before the PM left the country or before the audio recording began circulating on social media.
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... plans to enlist emissary
MANZINI - Alpheous Nxumalo, the Government Spokesperson, is set to meet PM Russell Dlamini and plans to enlist an emissary to take him to the King to apologise in person.
He stated that he had already contacted the PM, who indicated that since he is still out of the country, their meeting would have to wait until he returns to the Kingdom of Eswatini. Nxumalo expressed hope that they would be able to find a resolution after conveying his personal apology directly to the PM during their meeting.
He said he also hopes that they will address the many other pending issues that led to this situation.
On top of that, he highlighted that he had already reported the matter to his family and hopes that they can get an emissary to accompany him to convey his apology to Their Majesties in person. He said they acknowledge that the annual ceremony (Incwala) might start soon, but if the opportunity arises before then, they would gladly use it.
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Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo addressing the media during the press conference held at Global Village yesterday. (Pics: Sibusiso Zwane)