Mbabane — Minister of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Savannah Maziya says she is unaware of any resignation by Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP) Board Chairperson Jacqueline Fick, despite an internal communication indicating otherwise.
This is after an internal message seen by this newspaper in which Fick informed fellow board members that she had stepped down from the position.
In the message, addressed to directors and sent on Thursday morning, Fick stated that she had submitted her resignation to the minister.
The communication opens by responding to an issue raised by board member Tanele Motsa-Fakudze, relating to an urgent matter previously discussed among directors.
Fick explains that while she was aware of a tenant matter referenced in an email dated December 5, 2025, she did not know it was the same issue now being questioned by the minister.
She also responds to a request by Motsa-Fakudze for a meeting, stating that the request came while she was writing examinations and that she had nonetheless attempted to accommodate the meeting.
The message then takes an unexpected turn.
“I also wish to inform the board that I have submitted my resignation as chairperson to the minister,” Fick states in the email.
Sources within the board say the message immediately raised questions, particularly given the short duration of Fick’s tenure.
“She has been in the position for less than six months,” said one source.
“The information left us dumbfounded, especially because it was not communicated through a formal board process,” the source added.
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RSTP Senior Communications Officer Senzo Malaza said the institution had no information regarding any changes to the chairpersonship and referred all enquiries to the Ministry of ICT.
“We are not aware of any changes concerning the board chair. As you know, board appointments fall under the mandate of the ministry, and we would therefore advise that you direct your enquiries there,” Malaza said.
Fick was appointed in July last year, replacing attorney Khetshidile Masisi, who also resigned before completing her term as board chair.
The back-to-back resignations have reportedly heightened concerns about leadership continuity at the institution.
“The disclosure came as a surprise to directors, as no prior indication had been given that the chairperson intended to step down. It is worrying because the institution has not been stable for some time now,” an insider said.
Responding to questions seeking confirmation of reports that the board chair had resigned, Minister Maziya said she had no knowledge of such a development and that the chairperson had denied it.
“I am not aware of this and the chair has said the same to me. I called and asked her and she denied it,” Maziya stated.
Fick was appointed by Minister Maziya, who at the time highlighted her extensive experience in cybercrime, forensic investigations, corporate governance and strategic risk management.
Her credentials include serving as executive head of forensic services at Cell C, deputy director of public prosecutions in South Africa’s former Scorpions unit, and chairperson of the GSMA Africa Fraud Forum.
The uncertainty surrounding the board chair’s position comes at a time when RSTP remains without a substantive chief executive officer — a matter that has drawn sustained scrutiny from Parliament.
Former CEO Vumile Dlamini’s contract was not renewed in July 2024. Dr Andile Meftula was subsequently appointed acting CEO, but his term ended after the six-month statutory limit for acting appointments in public enterprises.
When the recruitment process for a substantive CEO opened in January, Dr Meftula did not apply and later exited the institution.
Responsibility was then assumed by Chief Financial Officer Nomvula Shongwe-Gulwako, who had joined RSTP just two months earlier. She was appointed acting CEO in addition to her CFO role and has remained in that dual position since.
Members of Parliament have repeatedly warned that the arrangement was unsustainable and risked undermining effective management of the institution.
During parliamentary engagements, MPs argued that the prolonged absence of a permanent CEO had contributed to operational stagnation at a facility once envisioned as a key driver of innovation, research and digital development.
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The matter gained further attention when Minister Maziya told MPs that she was awaiting advice from the prime minister’s office before proceeding with the appointment of a substantive CEO.
Legislators urged clarity, warning that prolonged leadership gaps at both board and executive levels could weaken governance and delay strategic decision-making.
Auditor General Timothy Matsebula also raised concerns in the latest audit reports, noting that RSTP is operating under significant financial strain, with a reported deficit exceeding E300 million.
Last year, officials also raised concerns with the media over the costs incurred by the State-owned enterprise in flying the newly appointed board chair into the country for meetings.
Fick was also provided with chauffeured transport and paid accommodation at one of the country’s well-known four-star hotels, all at the expense of the taxpayer, while still claiming full board sitting allowances.
Officials questioned whether the arrangement was prudent for a parastatal that has struggled to achieve financial sustainability.
In response, Ministry of ICT Principal Secretary Andreas Dlamini defended the arrangement, saying it was neither irregular nor concealed.
“Yes, the board chair comes from South Africa with a lot of experience in corporate governance, technical as well as policy matters. When Cabinet approved her appointment, they were well aware of the financial implications.
“Sometimes you have to pay to get particular skills,” he said.
