By SIFISO NHLABATSI | 2025-03-21

TENSIONS flared yesterday at the Hilton Garden Inn when SwaziMed’s interim board announced the suspension of Board Chairman Sammy Dlamini and Principal Officer Peter Simelane.

This was during a press conference, meant to update stakeholders on governance matters, which proceeded under police presence, with law enforcement officers unsuccessfully attempting to prevent it from taking place.

The newly-appointed interim Board Chairman, Bheki Maziya, addressed the media, revealing a series of governance challenges that had prompted urgent action by the board.

He emphasised that these issues had raised significant concern among stakeholders, necessitating the steps taken to restore order within SwaziMed’s leadership.

Maziya confirmed reports that  Dlamini had been removed as board chairman following a vote of no confidence in his leadership. This decision was taken during a properly constituted board meeting on March 18. He further announced that the board had resolved to appoint him (Maziya) as the interim chairman until a substantive replacement is chosen.

In addition to the leadership change, the board resolved to suspend SwaziMed Principal Officer, Peter Simelane, pending an investigation into allegations of misconduct. To ensure the continuity of operations, Maziya said the board has appointed Nokuthula Dlamini as the acting Principal Officer, effective immediately.Maziya said these decisions were made to uphold good governance and protect the interests of SwaziMed’s stakeholders.

A key issue addressed during the press conference was the notice for the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM), initially scheduled for March 26.

Maziya declared the notice null and void, stating that it was not authorised by the board, making it procedurally invalid.

“We wish to inform all shareholders of SwaziMed that the advertised AGM will not proceed, as it was not sanctioned by the board. A formal notice for a new AGM, in line with proper governance procedures, will be issued in due course,” Maziya stated.

He urged members to disregard any previous communication about the meeting, emphasising that the board remains committed to transparency and adherence to governance principles.

Adding to the drama of the day, the press conference saw an unexpected intervention by the police, who attempted to stop it from taking place. Despite their presence and efforts to dissuade board members from proceeding, the press briefing went ahead as planned.

The police engaged in discussions with SwaziMed representatives, but the board stood firm on its decision to inform stakeholders about the leadership changes and governance issues. 

The reason for the police’s intervention remained unclear, though it is speculated that it may have been linked to the internal power struggles within the organisation.

Maziya appealed to SwaziMed members and stakeholders to remain patient as the board works to resolve governance issues. He assured them that all actions taken were in the best interest of the organisation, with a focus on stability and compliance with corporate governance principles.

“The board is committed to fulfiling its fiduciary responsibilities and ensuring that SwaziMed continues to serve its members effectively. We ask for patience and trust as we address these matters transparently and decisively,” Maziya stated.

We were sent by DPM - Police

FOLLOWING the order from the police calling for the board to stop proceeding with the press conference, Board member Leonard Nkambule said it was important to address the media on that aspect.

Nkambule said the police  informed them that they should not proceed with the meeting. He said this was after the police claimed   they were instructed by the deputy prime minister.

“We do not know what the relationship is between the deputy prime minister and SwaziMed,” Nkambule stated.

After the media and the board vacated and an interview was conducted outside the hotel, police persisted and told the interim board chairman to stop the interviews.

Asked
Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo, when asked if he was aware of any instruction from government calling for the press conference not to proceed said he was not aware of any. Nxumalo said the police can assist on that aspect.  

The officer who was leading the junior officers said he was not stopping the meeting, but all that he was saying was that the members should have consulted first.

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