A group of former employees of The Luke Commission went to the Private and Cabinet Office on Monday, 10 August 2026, to present allegations about their treatment during their time at the organisation to the Prime Minister.
Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli, who issued a statement on the matter, described the accounts as deeply troubling, covering a wide range of concerns spanning labour violations, governance failures and patient safety.
Among the labour-related allegations, former employees claimed they were unlawfully dismissed, denied due process, discriminated against, victimised and intimidated. They also alleged that some workers had no written employment contracts, were made to work excessive hours without lawful compensation, and were discouraged from asserting their rights under Eswatini’s labour laws. 
On the clinical and governance side, former employees alleged that certain individuals performed medical functions without the required qualifications or professional registration, and that staff were instructed to carry out medical tasks beyond their competence.
The most serious allegations relate to patient care. Former employees claimed that expired medicines and food products had their expiry dates altered before being given to patients and vulnerable beneficiaries. They further alleged that medicines meant for veterinary use were administered to patients by people who were neither doctors nor registered nurses. Other claims included that patients were kept in care longer than medically necessary, and that accepted medical protocols and professional codes were routinely disregarded.
Former employees also alleged racism and unequal treatment in the workplace, as well as statements suggesting that legal avenues available to workers, including proceedings before the Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration Commission (CMAC), would be ineffective.
Additionally, they alleged they were pressured to participate in campaigns intended to influence Government funding decisions, including lobbying Members of Parliament, joining public advocacy efforts, and being encouraged to develop negative views of Government officials who were pushing for greater transparency and accountability over public resources.
Government said it would not treat the allegations lightly.
“Behind every allegation is a human being whose dignity, livelihood and wellbeing matter. Whether an employee, a patient, a caregiver or an elderly citizen receiving assistance, every liSwati is entitled to be treated with dignity, fairness, compassion and respect under the law,” the statement read.
Government said it had engaged the appropriate regulatory and investigative authorities to examine the matters thoroughly, independently and without fear or favour. It also said the process would give The Luke Commission an opportunity to clear its name against any claims found to be unfounded.
