The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) has launched the Khuluma whistleblowing initiative aimed at promoting a culture of integrity, accountability and transparency across the regulator’s operations.

ESCCOM has launched this mechanism in order to provide a safe and confidential platform for employees, stakeholders and members of the public to report suspected fraud, malpractice, mismanagement, criminal conduct, unsafe practices or other irregular behaviour.

Under the theme “Khuluma for Integrity”, stakeholders are encouraged to speak up in good faith when they become aware of any form of misconduct. The core message is that reporting wrongdoing is not betrayal; it is an act of loyalty to the organization, the sector and Eswatini as a whole.

The toll-free reporting line, 800 100 9, is available to ESCCOM staff, licensees, contractors, consumers and all Emaswati. The reporting goes through an independent third-party channel managed by SNG Grant Thornton, to protect the identities of the whistleblower.  Those who choose not to remain anonymous can also email esccom@thecorruptiononline.com. In line with the regulator’s Code of Ethics Policy and applicable legislation, no person shall suffer any penalty, retaliation, harassment or informal pressure for reporting suspected or actual misconduct in good faith.

ESCCOM emphasises that whistleblowers are not required to prove an allegation before reporting. A person only needs to have reasonable grounds for concern and provide relevant information, such as the background of the matter, key dates where available and the reason for raising the concern. Examples of reportable conduct include the theft or misuse of the Commission’s assets, false accounting, furnishing misleading or deceptive information, abuse of position, fraud, malpractice, mismanagement, criminal conduct and other irregular practices.

Through Khuluma, ESCCOM is strengthening public confidence by encouraging responsible reporting and reinforcing its commitment to clean governance, ethical conduct and institutional accountability. Emaswati can expect to see more of the whistleblowing messaging as we drive awareness and understanding of how and when to report misconduct safely.

Ozzie Thakatha

Acting Chief Executive