MBABANE – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has instructed the suspended Ministry of Home Affairs official accused of helping Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala obtain an Eswatini identity document to provide an affidavit from the umphakatsi she relied on in processing the paperwork.

The directive, contained in a letter from the CSC, requires the official, Nonhlanhla Malambe, to show cause why disciplinary measures should not be taken against her.

According to the commission, the affidavit is central in determining whether proper procedures were followed when Matlala was issued both a birth certificate and a national identity card. Specifically, investigators want to confirm whether the affidavit allegedly from the Umphakatsi of Motshane was genuine and lawfully used as supporting documentation.

Why the affidavit matters

In late birth registration cases—particularly when a birth was never recorded at a hospital—an affidavit from a traditional authority is often required. The umphakatsi’s endorsement serves as both proof of family lineage and a guarantee of the applicant’s right to registration within the community.

The CSC considers this affidavit a key piece of evidence in establishing the legitimacy of Matlala’s documents.

“The commission wants to see the actual document she relied on when she assisted Matlala. This will help determine if the process was done in accordance with the law,” a source close to the matter revealed.

Suspension under investigation

Malambe has already been suspended for three months with full pay in line with Section 58 of the Public Service Act of 2018, which allows the suspension of a public officer while investigations are ongoing.

The Ministry of Home Affairs is expected to have completed its internal inquiry by the end of the suspension period.