The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) has launched a confidential whistleblowing mechanism called Khuluma, aimed at strengthening integrity, transparency, and accountability within the regulator. This initiative encourages employees, stakeholders, and the public to report suspected misconduct. The Khuluma platform provides a safe and confidential way to report suspected fraud, malpractice, mismanagement, and other irregular behavior.
ESCCOM's Acting Chief Executive Officer, Ozzie Thakatha, stated that the Khuluma initiative aims to encourage responsible reporting and strengthen public confidence in the regulator. The commission has partnered with SNG Grant Thornton to manage the reporting process through an independent third-party channel, protecting whistleblowers' identities. A toll-free reporting line, 800 100 9, is available to ESCCOM employees, licensees, contractors, consumers, and all emaSwati.
Reports can also be made via email to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) for those who choose not to remain anonymous. ESCCOM assures that no person will suffer penalty, retaliation, harassment, or informal pressure for reporting suspected or actual misconduct in good faith. The protection is provided in line with the regulator's Code of Ethics Policy and applicable legislation.
Whistleblowers do not need to prove an allegation before making a report; they only need to have reasonable grounds for concern and provide relevant information. Examples of conduct that can be reported include theft or misuse of ESCCOM assets, false accounting, providing misleading or deceptive information, abuse of position, fraud, malpractice, mismanagement, and other irregular practices.
The launch of Khuluma comes as whistleblowing and protection of people who report suspected wrongdoing receive attention in Eswatini. Recent discussions highlighted concerns about ensuring protection from retaliation for whistleblowers. This publication has previously reported on cases where information from whistleblowers led to investigations into alleged irregularities.
ESCCOM is investigating alleged financial irregularities of about E17 million, and police have confirmed a separate case involving an alleged E720 559.79 fraud at ESCCOM. Although the allegations have not been tested in court, they form part of the broader context in which systems for reporting suspected misconduct and strengthening institutional accountability are receiving attention.
ESCCOM encourages the public to report suspected wrongdoing, emphasizing that doing so in good faith should not be regarded as betrayal but as an act of loyalty to the organization, the communications sector, and Eswatini. The commission will provide more information on the initiative as it raises awareness about how and when suspected misconduct can be reported safely.
Key points
- ESCCOM launches confidential whistleblower channel called Khuluma.
- The initiative aims to strengthen integrity, transparency, and accountability within the regulator.
- Whistleblowers are protected from retaliation, harassment, or penalty for reporting suspected misconduct in good faith.
