A number of people in Eswatini are demanding refunds after jobs they were promised in various countries, including Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Northern Macedonia, and Thailand, failed to materialize. The jobs were offered through businesswoman Welile Sigwane and her company, with some advertisements dating back to April 8, 2026. The employment opportunities promised various benefits, including health insurance and housing, with salaries ranging from E13,078.80 to E106,438.
The alleged victims, who contacted the Times of Swaziland, expressed concerns over the money they paid towards securing the overseas jobs, providing proof of payments made in connection with the alleged job placements. Three women, Siphelele Sikosana, Lindelwa Lokothwayo, and Siphelele Vilakati, have taken Welile Sigwane, her company, and Dumsile Sigwane to court, seeking the repayment of a combined E60,000 they allegedly paid as deposits for jobs in Luxembourg.
According to court papers, the women entered into job placement agreements with Sonrize Consultancy, represented by Welile Sigwane, under which the consultancy would facilitate their employment in Luxembourg. The plaintiffs alleged that each of them was required to pay E6,000 in total fees for the job placement, with E20,000 payable as a deposit and the balance to be paid after successful job placement.
The women alleged that after paying the deposits, they were expected to travel to Luxembourg within two weeks to start working, but the promised employment did not materialize. They are now seeking the return of their E20,000 deposits, together with interest and legal costs. Lokothwayo's summons states that she entered into a written job placement agreement with Sonrize Consultancy in December 2025 in Mbabane.
The plaintiffs are represented by Sibusiso Mabuza of S.T. Mabuza Attorneys in Mbabane. The claims are contained in separate summonses filed in court, citing Welile Sigwane and Dumsile Sigwane as directors of Sonrize Consultancy and Sunrize Stationery. The defendants have been given an opportunity to enter an appearance to defend the claims.
The court papers show that the plaintiffs are seeking cancellation of the agreements, repayment of their deposits, interest, and costs. The three claims amount to E60,000, excluding interest and costs. The veracity of the claims is yet to be contested in court.
Lawyer Sibusiso Mabuza of S.T. Mabuza Attorneys represents the plaintiffs in the matter, which is currently before the magistrates court for the Hhohho Region. The case highlights the risks associated with job placement agencies and the importance of thorough research and due diligence when seeking employment opportunities abroad.
Key points
- Three Eswatini nationals have taken their former employer to court over failed job placements in Luxembourg.
- The plaintiffs are seeking refunds of E60,000 in deposits paid for jobs that never materialized.
- The case is currently before the magistrates court for the Hhohho Region, with the defendants yet to respond to the claims.
