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Government business has taken me to three continents- Funwako Dlamini

2 July 2024

Funwako Dlamini has travelled to three continents of the world representing Government at various forums. In our latest civil servants’ blog, the Ministry of Health’s Chief Environmental Health Officer talks about his journey in the civil service spanning 33 years.

Government Communication (GC): “When did you join the Civil Service?”

Funwako Dlamini (FD): “I joined the Civil Service (Ministry of Health) on 1st October 1991 as a Health Inspector. When I joined the Ministry of Health, we were referred to as ‘health inspectors’ before the change of the title to that of ‘Environmental Health Officer,’ in January 2010.”

GC: “What is your current job now and what does it entail?”

FD: “Currently, I am the Chief Environmental Health Officer and Head of Environmental Health Department stationed at the Ministry of Health Headquarters in Mbabane. The general description of the Chief Environmental Health Officer duties are as follows: serves as the general manager and technical head of the Environmental Health Department; provides leadership and administrative functions for the department; develops and oversees the implementation of all environmental health programmes, and liaises with other Ministries and organisations whose activities affect environmental health in Eswatini; guides and leads the formulation of policies and laws, as well as ensuring national compliance to international conventions. I also serve as a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) of the Ministry of Health whose main responsibility is to support the Honourable Minister and Principal Secretary in taking key decisions, ensuring that the vision and mission of the Ministry are realised.”

GC: “Before this role, what other positions did you occupy in the Service?”

FD: “I have risen steadily through the ranks from an ordinary Environmental Health Officer to the apex of the department. I joined the Ministry of Health as an Environmental Health Officer (Health Inspector) in 1991. I acted as the Regional Environmental Health Officer in the Manzini Region from November 2003 and was promoted to the same position in October 2009. I then moved to become Principal Environmental Health Officer in October 2011. In August, 2020 I was elevated to the position of Deputy Chief Environmental Health Officer. Then, in September 2023, I was promoted to my current position of Chief Environmental Health Officer. I acquired a Diploma in Environmental Health at the then Swaziland Institute of Health Sciences in 1991 and a BSc in Environmental Health at the University of Eswatini in 2003. I went on to pursue an MSc in Environmental Health in 2012/2013 at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, in the United Kingdom.”

GC: “So far, what would you say the biggest highlight/achievement of your Civil Service journey has been?

FD: “There are many achievements to mention in my tenure as a Civil Servant, but the memorable ones are on career development and travelling on Government business to three continents, apart from Africa. I joined the Ministry as an ordinary Environmental Health Officer with a Diploma in Environmental Health, but today I am the Chief Environmental Health Officer and Head of Department with a BSc and MSc in Environmental Health. I am grateful to my Government for financially supporting all my studies, from undergraduate to postgraduate. The greatest achievement in my career was attaining an MSc in Environmental Health from my dream country, the United Kingdom, and being awarded the David Livingstone Centre for Sustainability (DLCS) prize for the Best MSc Environmental Health Dissertation 2013 was just the icing on the cake. I am also proud of being awarded a highly prestigious and competitive Commonwealth Scholarship through Canon Collins Trust Fund in 2012 to further my studies in the UK. I have travelled widely to many countries in Africa, one in North America, four in Europe, and one in Asia, attending courses, workshops and representing the country in international meetings. Travelling has opened my eyes and helped me to appreciate some of the good things we do and have in the country.”

GC: “What is the biggest project that you have been involved in working for Government?”

FD: “I was actively involved in the development of the Scheme of Service resulting in the change of the department title from ‘health inspectorate’ to ‘environmental health,’ the change of title from ‘Health Inspector’ to ‘Environmental Health Officer’ as well as the establishment of the Port Health Unit. I was also involved in the development of the Port Health Standards of Operations (SOP). I also led the review of the Public Health (Food Hygiene) Regulations of 1973 which are now a final draft. I also led the development of two guidelines during COVID-19: the Proper Cleaning and Disinfection of Healthcare Facilities and Public Places; and Proper Handling of Dead Bodies due to COVID-19 and other Infectious Diseases. The development of the Port Health SOP and guidelines by the department saved our Government from bearing the cost of engaging consultants to develop such documents.”

GC: “What does the Environmental Health Department as a whole do?”

FD: “Environmental health is one of the key branches of public health, involved in the prevention and control of communicable diseases. The main responsibility of the department is to protect human health by eliminating risks and hazards in the built and natural environment. We protect human health from being adversely affected by external factors that may be physical, chemical or biological. We have the responsibility to protect the natural environment which entails the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and the land on which we grow our food and build homes, from any form of contamination or pollution. We also have a responsibility to protect the built environment such as the workplaces we work in, homes we live in, and others from causing occupational injuries and diseases. We do so much to protect human health but we remain as unsung heroes because of the nature of prevention which is predominantly done behind the scenes.”

GC: “How crucial is the cleanliness of the environment that we live in for our wellbeing?

FD: “Cleanliness is basic to good health and pivotal to primary healthcare. Living in a clean environment is important for aesthetical reasons, to eliminate any source of infection, and for mental health.”

GC: “There are, at times, complaints about the quality of food and hygiene standards in some establishments across the country. What does your Department do to ensure that shops serving emaSwati food are following all hygiene protocols?”

FD: “Yes, there are some food establishments which are non-compliant to hygiene protocols thus exposing consumers to high risk of contracting foodborne illnesses through the consumption of contaminated food. Basically, we conduct mass and individual health education to food business operators, including food handlers, about good hygienic practices leading to food safety. We also encourage food business operators to develop systems for self-monitoring of their daily practices as we cannot be in all food establishments at the same time. We also conduct regular unannounced inspections of structures and foodstuffs which may be done individually by an area officer and jointly by several officers in a form of a campaign. The main challenge is to deal with informal food vendors which are non-compliant to health requirements and give unfair competition to the formal sector. We have just finished reviewing the Public Health (Food Hygiene) Regulations of 1973, and the draft has stringent regulations to deal decisively with non-compliant food establishments in both the formal and informal sectors. The informal sector will be easily dealt with, as it would be illegal to operate any food establishment without being registered with the Ministry of Health and Municipalities.”

GC: “How do you engage emaSwati on cleanliness, particularly those in rural areas?”

FD: “We have Environmental Health Officers and Environmental Health Assistants stationed in many parts of the country, who conduct health education about the prevention and control of environmental related diseases to communities. We organise community meetings and attend community meetings at Tinkhundla Centres, Chiefs’ Residences (Imiphakatsi) etc., to educate emaSwati about the prevention of communicable diseases. We also organise clean-up campaigns in areas which are littered with waste materials such as papers, plastics, and others. We try our best with the limited resources we have in terms of human resource, transport, finance and other challenges.”

GC: “What do you love the most about working in Government?”

FD: “The most rewarding thing about working for Government is the incomparable job security which you cannot get from anywhere else apart from Civil Service. A Government can be best described as a selfless and patient employer who employs inexperienced employees and develops them to become highly skilled and knowledgeable. I joined the Ministry of Health with a Diploma certificate but today I am in possession of both Bachelor and Master’s certificates.”

GC: “What do you love the most about your job and profession?”

FD: “I am in this profession for the love of it. To me, environmental health was not a career option but a deliberate career. I cannot imagine myself being something else apart from being an Environmental Health Officer. The thing I love the most about my job is working closely with people from all walks of life. It is an exciting and dynamic profession which allows one to plan and work independently with minimum supervision. There is no day which is ever the same in environmental health as we are generalists working across many thematic areas. There is also room for being a specialist concentrating on one area of expertise. This profession requires an innovative thinker as you have to plan your work according to the needs of the area. It is also worth mentioning that I am the only person so far in the Ministry who has a pure MSc in Environmental Health. I am proud of it because I got it from one of the highly reputable countries (the UK) in the field of environmental health.”

GC: “What would you say are some of the challenges that come with your job?”

FD: “Some of the challenges are limited resources and inadequate laws to effectively protect human health. Environmental health is one of the underrated or lowly recognised professions in the civil service which is also not well remunerated. I would love to see Government invest more in environmental health. Investing in environmental health can help to curb so many environmental-related diseases from occurring, thus reducing the dependence on drugs for the treatment of preventable diseases. A relatively small investment in environmental health can provide an enormous pay-back in public/community health benefits.”

GC: “What lessons have you learnt working for Government?”

FD: “I have learnt that working for Government needs one to be self-disciplined and dedicated to his or her job. Government has the best systems, working procedures, conditions of service, among others, only to be let down by us. Government is the best place to gain experience, and develop one’s career to any level, without much cost.”

GC: “What advice would you have for someone who wants to work for Government?”

FD: “You need to be objective and willing to serve the country and its people. The remuneration in terms of salaries in the civil service is lower compared to the private sector but this is outweighed by job security and chances of career advancement within the civil service. There are more chances of advancement in terms of education in Government than in most private sector organisations.”

GC: “What are your aspirations for the future in Government?”

FD: “I want to take the Environmental Health Department to the next level of visibility and recognition by the Government and public. I wish to see Government invest more in environmental health to realise and appreciate its potential in the protection of human health against all forms of external factors. We have a potential of contributing to the country's economic growth by preventing people from getting ill, thus improving their productivity.”

--Ends—

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GOVERNMENT OF THE KINGDOM OF ESWATINI

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GOVERNMENT STATEMENT

CABINET STAND ON A CONSTITUTIONAL NATIONAL DIALOGUE,11^TH NOVEMBER, 2022

Following some social media reports insinuating that there are some Cabinet Ministers who do not support the idea of a national dialogue, Government wishes to categorically state that all Cabinet Ministers are in full support of a national dialogue which is provided for in the national constitution. Cabinet as a whole, fully understands and appreciates that dialogue is critical for the healing of our country.

Government and all Cabinet Ministers have always maintained one position which is that law and order must be first completely restored in the country and for a peaceful environment to prevail in order to have a productive dialogue free of intimidation.

This is important because the nation cannot have a free and fair national dialogue while people who are holding one view or the other are being threatened with violence, intimidation and other victimization methods.

Cabinet believes that the national dialogue has to come and it will come but the prelude to it is that the nation needs a window of peace and calm.

Government also wishes to express concern at the chaos and vandalism of some properties which occurred in the City of Manzini on the 10th November 2022.It is such acts of violence that continue to undermine government‘s and nations efforts to prepare and convene a national dialogue.

Government takes this opportunity to express her gratitude to the transport association which restored the situation to normality and to the national security services for their quick and professional intervention in order to minimize the destruction of properties and possible loss of lives in the city of Manzini.

Alpheous Nxumalo

Government Spokesperson

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His Majesty King Mswati 111 has appointed Cleopas Sipho Dlamini as the 12^th Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini. His appointment follows the passing of Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini in December 2020.

Making the announcement this afternoon His Majesty noted that while the current Parliament term ends in two years it was still important to have someone spearhead economic recovery efforts especially at a time when the global pandemic COVID-19 has strained the economy.

His Majesty instructed the new PM to hit the ground running following in the footsteps of his late predecessor, who had served diligently in his tenure. He encouraged Dlamini to treat his national assignment with dignity and integrity and find a way to bring together a nation that has just experienced a difficult phase.

Dlamini, a Senator is the former Chief Executive Officer of Public Services Pension Fund.

Dowload Prime Minister CV

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

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PRESS STATEMENT

Government has noted with concern the surge in COVID-19 infections over the past week.

Last week alone, we had approximately 150 cases, which indicates a significant increase from recent weeks. And although this cannot yet be attributed as the so-called second wave, there have been projections that numbers will rise during the festive season as a result of increased movement of people.

Government wishes to once again remind the nation that COVID-19 is still a major health threat and that there are no indications that it will end anytime soon. Therefore, it remains everyone’s responsibility to do their utmost best to protect themselves, their loved ones as well as those they come into contact with, in line with the recently launched Mgcini WeSive campaign.

We continue to receive reports of continued disregard of COVID-19 precautionary measures by some Emaswati, particularly in the public transport industry, entertainment venues and some private gatherings. We wish to once again remind public transport operators that it is their responsibility to enforce compliance from their passengers. Likewise, drivers and conductors are bound by the COVID-19 Regulations 2020 to wear masks at all times and not expose their passengers to COVID-19. We should not wear a mask because we see a roadblock ahead but should make it a lifestyle to protect and to stay protected at all times.

We also continue to receive disturbing reports that some entertainment venues and night clubs are now operating all night and that alcohol is being served on site, while patrons share drinks and neither wear masks nor social distance. We wish to point out that this kind of irresponsible behaviour is the same one that has perpetuated the COVID-19 pandemic even at family level, as people return home to their families after such escapades. This is a reminder that drinking in public is not yet allowed and that alcohol is strictly for home use. All gatherings are also restricted to two and a half hours in terms of the recently amended COVID-19 Regulations.

As we usher in the festive season, we wish to emphasise the importance of staying safe. As we move around and about, doing our Christmas shopping and visiting relatives, let us not act recklessly as this is detrimental to ourselves and everyone else we may come into contact with. This also applies to religious gatherings, stokvel meetings and other gatherings. Community sporting activities remain banned until advised otherwise. Police will be very vigilant particularly around this period to enforce compliance.

The following preventative measures continue to apply:

1. Washing hands with soap and running water or using hand sanitiser
2. Wearing a face mask correctly; covering mouth, nose and chin, more importantly when you are in public or in the company of other people. Government has already made the wearing of masks compulsory for all emaswati when in public.
3. Watch your physical distance; keep a distance of more than one metre between yourself and others at all times

Accessing COVID-19 Vaccines

On another note, the Ministry of Health wishes to update the nation about the COVAX Facility. The COVAX Facility is a global initiative that brings together governments and manufacturers to ensure eventual COVID-19 vaccines reach those in greatest need, whoever they are and wherever they live.

The COVAX Facility provides this solution: through portfolio diversification, pooling of financial and scientific resources, and economies of scale, participating governments and blocs can hedge the risk of backing unsuccessful candidates just as governments with limited or no ability to finance their own bilateral procurement can be assured access to life-saving vaccines that would otherwise have been beyond their reach.

The COVAX Facility is co-led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is open to all Member States including those who will self-finance vaccine procurement and those whose vaccine costs will be supported through the Advance Market Commitment (AMC) of the Gavi Alliance. The Kingdom of Eswatini does not fall under the self-financing countries but will be supported through the AMC.

The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini is committed to procuring a COVID-19 vaccine when a viable candidate approved by appropriate regulatory bodies is available. We have been requested and joined the COVAX Facility as a co-financing country. Joining the COVAX Facility provides the Kingdom of Eswatini with the following:

• Access to vaccines - particularly beneficial for countries that cannot easily secure bilateral deals
• Likely at a lower cost than bilateral deals
• Diversified portfolio of candidates, reduces risk or reliance on one candidate
• Simplified procurement and price negotiations and processes, since handled by COVAX

Countries can pursue both COVAX participation and self-procurement at the same time, as a country we are pursuing both as we seek to ensure that our people will be protected.

There are 3 vaccine candidates that have released results:

● 09th November 2020: Pfizer and its German partner, BioNTech reported that their COVID-19 vaccine is more than 90% effective and on 20th November 2020 applied for emergency authorisation from regulators.

o Cold Chain Requirements: must be kept at an ultracold, minus-70 degrees Celsius.

o Doses: requires 2 doses, second dose given 3 weeks after the first one

o Part of the COVAX facility

● 16th November 2020: Moderna reports that its COVID-19 vaccine is found to be 95% effective

o Cold Chain Requirements: stored frozen at minus-20 degrees Celsius, but it keeps for a month at refrigerator temperatures. This could make it easier to distribute to pharmacies and rural areas that don’t have specialised freezers

o Doses: requires 2 doses, second dose given 4 weeks after the first one

o Not part of the COVAX facility

● 23rd November 2020: AstraZeneca reports that its vaccine with Oxford University is up to 90% effective if the first dose is used and 70% if both doses are used

o Cold Chain Requirements: can be stored at refrigeration temperatures for up to 6 months which will make it far easier to distribute and administer in much of the world

o Doses: requires 2 doses, but the trial found that it was far more effective when the first dose was half the typical dose, with the second given a month later. It remains to be seen which dose the company will submit to regulators for clearance

o Part of the COVAX facility

Ongoing preparations for the Vaccine

We have already been made aware that initial supply of viable vaccines will inevitably be limited. The country will be provided with vaccines for 20% of the population for the first 18 months through the COVAX facility and has an option to procure additional doses at retail prices directly from the manufacturers.

We have already started work to develop an allocation mechanism to target groups with the aim of reducing mortality and protecting the health system; as a start healthcare workers will be first to receive the vaccination to ensure uninterrupted health service delivery. Assessments on vaccine profile and logistics required for delivery of the vaccine to the population have also been conducted to inform the vaccine candidate that would work best for our population and fit our cold chain infrastructure. Lastly, Government has put aside funding and is engaging with various different partners to source additional funding to enable us to purchase the vaccines.

Senator Lizzie Nkosi

Minister of Health

30 November 2020

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