Swazi Observer

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BENNETT WARNS OF CABAL

By SIBUSISO DLAMINI | 2025-01-24

Outspoken businessman and former senator Walter Bennett claims the uproar surrounding the age of Ministry of Public Service Principal Secretary Sipho Tsabedze confirms the existence of a cabal.

PS Tsabedze has been accused of altering his date of birth multiple times, with official records showing discrepancies: 1963, 1965, and 1967.

These questions over the principal secretary’s actual date of birth, Bennett says, demonstrate a façade for a more sinister agenda, suggesting that the controversy could be a calculated move by powerful individuals or a cabal seeking to undermine Tsabedze’s position due to his influence over public resources.

He argued that the fixation on the principal secretary’s age could be a diversionary tactic, pointing out that Tsabedze’s role as the ministry’s administrative head gives him significant authority over budgets and human resource management.

“His signature is key in controlling public funds and services,” Bennett said, adding that such power often attracts the attention of unscrupulous actors looking to exploit government resources.

The Civil Service Commission (CSC), after an enquiry, allegedly confirmed that Tsabedze’s official retirement date is February 3 based on the date of birth recorded on his blue form, a document used during his employment – prompting Bennett to warn against using bureaucratic technicalities to sideline individuals who may be obstacles to corruption

“The age issue should not be weaponised to serve hidden agendas,” Bennett stated.
The CSC’s investigation into Tsabedze’s age followed a private motion by Lobamba Lomdzala Member of Parliament (MP) Marwick Khumalo, seconded by Mayiwane MP Sicelo Dlamini.

altering
The motion highlighted a worrying trend of public servants allegedly altering their dates of birth to delay retirement.

During a parliamentary debate, the MPs accused the principal secretory of having three different birthdates on official records. While they refrained from naming him directly, the implications were clear.

Bennett, however, expressed scepticism about the MPs’ intentions, suggesting their motives might be less about accountability and more about advancing personal agendas.

“Politicians shouldn’t take the public for a ride. They claim to ensure accountability, but they could be fighting other battles. Perhaps the PS is a hindrance to what they want to achieve,” he said.

“This issue isn’t just about dates of birth. It’s about access to resources- budgets, positions, and influence. Those making a storm out of a teacup should be questioned for their interests,” he added.

Bennett further alleged that the rot extends beyond the ministry of public service, implicating other government institutions and even Parliament.

“The cabal thrives on looting limited public funds. Unfortunately, this cancer has spread to institutions that should safeguard public resources,” he lamented

Bennett contextualised the age controversy within the broader historical and societal fabric of Eswatini.

He highlighted that many people of the older generation grew up without precise records of their birthdates, often relying on significant events, such as the passing of King Sobhuza II or the influenza epidemic, to estimate their ages.

recalling
“This is not a new issue in the country,” he said, recalling a case involving a deputy headteacher at Manzini Central, who despite being accused of falsifying her age, successfully defended herself at the Supreme Court, arguing that her family’s circumstances led to discrepancies in her records.

“Her case showed how complex this issue can be, and it’s unfair for politicians to act as if this is an extraordinary anomaly,” Bennett added.

Bennett’s allegations of a cabal come only a few months after seasoned legislator, Lobamba Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo dismissed the notion of a cabal as baseless, assuring Prime Minister Russell Dlamini that there is no cabal conspiring to oust him.

Speaking in Parliament during the debate on the first-quarter performance report for the 2024/2025 financial year, Khumalo urged the PM to disregard unfounded rumours of a shadowy group working against him and government.

Khumalo urged the PM to avoid being swayed by those spreading misinformation, claiming that such claims lacked merit and could derail his focus on national priorities.

The MP highlighted previous conspiracy claims, such as the alleged existence of a mafia within the Eswatini Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (EPTC), which he said were ultimately disproven.

He referenced a forensic audit conducted at the time, which he said failed to uncover any evidence to support the allegations, and said it was an example of how some individuals have a tendency to mislead leaders with baseless accusations, often for personal agendas.

For that reason, Khumalo urged the PM to focus on delivering government’s agenda and ignore the distractions of such unverified claims.

“Let us push government for the grand plan and not work on petty issues,” he stated.

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