![Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo with Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini. [Courtesy pic]](https://www.eswatiniobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/480955224_940003644989639_6961938701189516981_n.jpg "480955224_940003644989639_6961938701189516981_n")
GOVERNMENT has asked the Industrial Court to dismiss a contempt of court application brought by its Spokesperson Alpheous Mfana Nxumalo, arguing that he cannot accuse it of defying a court order after rejecting a compensation package worth E1.2 million.
Government maintains that it has acted in good faith and Nxumalo’s refusal to accept the settlement offer is the only reason the matter remains unresolved.
Prime Minister’s Office Principal Secretary Bheki Bhembe filed an answering affidavit on behalf of government, stating that Nxumalo signed a contract of service with the Civil Service Commission on September 15, 2025, which took effect on October 1, 2025, when he was appointed as a public relations officer.
However, Bhembe said following a court order issued on January 21, both parties agreed that the employment relationship had become unworkable and mutually decided to terminate the contract.
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“In the aftermath of the order of January 21, the parties agreed that the contract was unworkable and mutually decided to terminate it,” Bhembe stated.
He told the court that Nxumalo was subsequently placed in a holding position within the ministry of public service and accepted a new post as a communication analyst on salary grade F3. Bhembe further argued that Nxumalo has since reached the compulsory retirement age and is no longer employed by the Government of Eswatini.
According to the respondents, the dispute before the court is no longer about reinstatement or employment, but about money.
“The only problem is that Nxumalo does not want to accept the monetary compensation for the termination. The sum offered is E1.2 million,” Bhembe submitted.
He said the E1.2 million offer was disclosed in open court and remains available to Nxumalo. Government argued that the January 21 court order required payment of salaries covering the period from October 2025 to January 2026 and these amounts were already included in the E1.2 million settlement package.
