Mbabane – The Eswatini National Association of Journalists has condemned an attack and alleged harassment involving senior journalist and Times Weekend deputy editor Mfanukhona Nkambule, naming lawyer Sydney Maseko in the incident that occurred this week.
The media body said the matter arose while Nkambule was carrying out his professional duties, raising concerns about the safety of journalists and the state of press freedom in the Kingdom. ESNAJ said it was disturbed by Maseko’s decision to later take the matter to social media, saying the public posting worsened the seriousness of the incident and reflected a growing threat to personal dignity and media work in Eswatini.
The association said journalists have a right to carry out their responsibilities without fear, intimidation or abuse. It added that where there is dissatisfaction with media content, dialogue and lawful engagement should be pursued in line with Eswatini’s values as a peaceful nation.
ESNAJ said turning to personal attacks instead of engaging the substance of journalistic work damages democratic principles and interferes with the public’s right to access information. The organisation also called on members of the public to refrain from abusive conduct and to respect the role of the media in a democratic society.
The statement was issued on December 19 by the ESNAJ executive, which warned that continued harassment or attacks against journalists would not be tolerated and that the association would take firm action, including legal steps where necessary, to protect its members.
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