ENCAC CEO Stanley Dlamini Confronts Reporter Over Article

Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) Chief Executive Officer Stanley Dlamini recently had an uncomfortable telephone conversation with a Swazi Observer reporter. The call followed a story questioning the council's handling of concerns raised by creatives. Dlamini expressed anger over the article and questioned why he had not been approached for comment before publication. He stated that the article did not accurately reflect his address during a Facebook live session, where he discussed artists' welfare.

The article in question followed a Facebook live session hosted by Dlamini on ENCAC's official page. During the session, Dlamini addressed the National Arts and Culture Awards, the council's mandate, and its support for artists participating in cultural exchange programs. Viewers raised questions about allegations surrounding local artists who traveled to South Africa for filming on the popular television drama 'Isitha the Enemy'. Dlamini explained that artists recommended for development programs received support covering accommodation, traveling logistics, and personal allowances.

The reporter explained that the story was not suggesting that Dlamini had made no remarks about artists' welfare but rather that viewers who had been encouraged to bring forward questions did not receive direct responses during the broadcast. Dlamini argued that he had not promised an interactive question-and-answer session, stating that the communication had indicated he would deliver a special address. He questioned why the publication had proceeded with the story without first seeking clarification from him.

Dlamini also questioned the importance attached to the story, asking whether the reporter considered it necessary to publish what had been written. He maintained that journalists should report concerns raised by members of the public while giving the people or institutions concerned an opportunity to respond. The conversation eventually ended with Dlamini saying he believed the two parties did not understand each other.

The Eswatini National Association of Journalists (ESNAJ) has condemned what it describes as veiled threats against one of its members, saying it will defend journalists against intimidation. ESNAJ President Lwazi Dlamini stated that the association was disturbed by the alleged threats, which he attributed to a person of Stanley Dlamini's stature. He emphasized that journalists played an important role in society and deserved to be respected in the course of their work.

Lwazi Dlamini said journalists were not dolls to be thrown around or objects to be ridiculed, but rather individuals who held public officials accountable. He assured that ESNAJ would not take these threats lightly and would defend its members against intimidation. The association's stance highlights the importance of a free press and the role of journalists in holding those in power accountable.

The incident highlights the challenges faced by journalists in Eswatini, particularly when reporting on sensitive topics or holding public officials accountable. The confrontation between Stanley Dlamini and the Swazi Observer reporter raises concerns about press freedom and the ability of journalists to report on important issues without fear of intimidation or retribution.

Key points

• ENCAC CEO Stanley Dlamini disputes Swazi Observer report, says he addressed artists' welfare during Facebook live session.
• Eswatini National Association of Journalists condemns veiled threats against member, vows to defend journalists against intimidation.
• Incident highlights challenges faced by journalists in Eswatini, particularly when reporting on sensitive topics or holding public officials accountable.