MBABANE – The Government of Eswatini has dismissed as false and misleading recent media reports alleging that Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla and officials from the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) were involved in a scheme to sell donated rice meant for vulnerable communities.
The claims surfaced in various publications suggesting collusion between government officials and external actors in misappropriating food donations from Japan. In response, government issued a statement on Tuesday, denouncing the allegations as baseless and malicious.
According to Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli, there is no credible evidence to support suggestions that rice donated by the Japanese government—or any international partner—has been diverted or sold for private profit. Mdluli said the rice in question was part of a humanitarian support programme managed directly by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), with no implementation role played by either the DPM’s Office or the NDMA.
“The WFP oversees the delivery of food assistance to Neighbourhood Care Points and schools across the country, reaching thousands of orphans and vulnerable children,” Mdluli stated. “These operations follow strict monitoring procedures.”
Government noted that the reports risk damaging long-standing partnerships with countries such as Japan, which has consistently supported Eswatini through initiatives under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), particularly in the areas of food security, education and rural development.
Authorities described the allegations as an attack on national unity and a potential threat to Eswatini’s reputation among development partners. They urged media organisations to fact-check their information with official sources before publication.
Government also used the opportunity to restate its commitment to transparency and responsible management of all donated resources. Citizens were called upon to reject what was described as “divisive falsehoods” and to support ongoing efforts to build a more resilient nation.
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