20/06/2026
The Swazi Voice
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: June 19, 2026
ISSUED BY: The Office of the Secretariat, SWAVISA
ATTENTION: All Media Houses, Members, Civil Society Partners, International Donors, and the General Public
OFFICIAL PRESS STATEMENT: CHANGE IN EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATION AND DISCLAIMER ON UNAUTHORIZED REPRESENTATION
MANZINI, ESWATINI – The National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Directors of the Swaziland Massacre Victims and Survivors Association (SWAVISA) issue this formal press statement to officially announce a permanent change in our executive administration.
The public, our stakeholders, and the media are formally notified that Sayinile Dlamini, Nhlanganiso Oscar Masilela, Bongani "Madzabudzabu" Kunene, and Philile Mavuso are no longer part of the executive administration, management, or leadership structure of SWAVISA.
The official structural changes are as follows:
• Official Ousting via Vote of No Confidence: Following a duly constituted meeting held in accordance with the SWAVISA Constitution, the Board of Directors passed an official Vote of No Confidence on May 21, 2026, removing both Ms. Sayinile Dlamini (former Chairperson) and Mr. Nhlanganiso Oscar Masilela (former Treasurer) from office with immediate effect.
• Permanent Resignation of Past Leadership: Mr. Bongani "Madzabudzabu" Kunene formally and permanently resigned from his position as Chairperson on September 20, 2025. He holds absolutely no executive, advisory, or administrative mandate within SWAVISA.
• Resignation of Administration: Ms. Philile Mavuso, the former Administrator, has formally resigned from her position as Finance & Admin Officer at SWAVISA. She is no longer an employee of the organization.
• Banking Authority Revoked: All banking mandates and administrative access previously held by these individuals have been permanently revoked by First National Bank (FNB).
Unauthorized Representation and Undermining of Leadership
Following these administrative changes, it has come to our attention that Sayinile Dlamini has been unauthentically and deceptively representing herself as the active Chairperson of SWAVISA. She has gone as far as falsely partnering with the Thulani Maseko Foundation to plan a parallel event dubbed the "5th Year Massacre Commemoration" scheduled for 27 June 2026 at the Jeppes Reef Community Hall, Mpumalanga.
This unauthorized action directly undermines the legitimate leadership of SWAVISA and compromises the safety, unity, and legal standing of the organization. More painfully, it severely undermines the victims and survivors of the June 2021 massacres by creating division and confusion within the movement.
An Appeal to Our Founders: SWAVISA is a Shared Legacy, Not a Private Inheritance
We take this moment to address a sincere and necessary appeal to the founders of SWAVISA. The pioneers of this organization played an irreplaceable, courageous role in its formation. We hold that historic effort in the highest regard, and our respect for their initial vision remains unshaken.
However, we must firmly remind all stakeholders that founding an organization does not grant anyone the right to treat SWAVISA as a private inheritance or a personal estate. This association is not a personal possession to be passed down or controlled outside of constitutional structures.
SWAVISA is a sacred legacy dedicated entirely to the lives lost, the families broken, and those who were gruesomely injured and permanently disabled during the June 2021 massacres. It belongs to the victims, and its governance must remain transparent, collective, and legally sound to ensure it serves no one else.
A Solemn Reminder of Our Founding Mission
When we were all called upon to form SWAVISA, we came together under a singular, sacred motive: to heal, support, and uplift the brave survivors. The very soul of this association is to protect the dignity of those who have already sacrificed and suffered more than enough.
It is deeply painful to witness any attempt to divert this mission. SWAVISA was built solely to benefit victims and survivors—not to serve as a vehicle for individual ambition. We strongly frown upon any entity or individual who seeks to use this platform for personal gain. To claim funding or support in the name of vulnerable survivors, only to redirect those resources away from their welfare, is an act of profound cruelty. The survivors have endured unimaginable trauma; they must never be used or exploited.
Effective May 21, 2026, Sayinile Dlamini and Oscar Masilela have no authority to act, represent, hold events, or make decisions on behalf of SWAVISA.
The upcoming event at Jeppes Reef on 27 June 2026 is unauthorized, unconstitutional, and fraudulent. SWAVISA dissociates itself completely from this initiative and accepts no legal or financial liability for commitments made by these individuals.
The legitimate and legally recognized Board of Directors and Secretariat remain functional and dedicated to serving the victims and survivors. Criminal and civil legal procedures, including an urgent High Court application for an interdict, are underway against the individuals for fraudulent misrepresentation.
“Nothing About Us Without Us”
“Nothing for us without us”
OFFICIAL MEDIA & STAKEHOLDER CONTACTS:
• Authorized Secretariat: Mr. Mzwandile Henry Dlamini (NEC Secretary)
• Office Location: Catholic Center, Cnr Sandlane & Tenbergen, Manzini, Eswatini
• Official Phone: +268 78052945 / +268 78105871
• Official Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
