Eswatini’s Luke Commission again seeks inquiry suspension
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Times of Eswatini
The Luke Commission has again approached Eswatini’s High Court to seek the suspension of the commission of inquiry examining its activities. The healthcare organisation disputes the commission’s legality and seeks a review of the decision that created it, reports the Times of Eswatini.
The Luke Commission (TLC), a non-profit healthcare organisation in Eswatini, has returned to the High Court to suspend the commission of inquiry investigating its affairs. It argues that the commission’s establishment is unlawful, irrational and unconstitutional, according to the Times of Eswatini.
The new urgent application was filed less than a day after the High Court ruled in favour of the government on a procedural point in a previous application by TLC. Judge Zonke Magagula had not, however, ruled on the substantive legality of the commission. TLC founder Dr Harry Vanderwal is seeking a provisional suspension while the decision to establish the inquiry is reviewed.
In the previous proceedings, launched on 2 October 2026, the government had challenged TLC’s standing to approach the courts and Vanderwal’s authority to act on behalf of the organisation. The High Court granted an interim measure pending consideration of these issues. TLC then produced its articles of association and a board resolution authorising Vanderwal to bring the proceedings. On 14 October, government representative Ndabenhle Dlamini challenged the resolution, arguing that it did not show that a majority of the directors had taken part in the vote. The judge upheld the government’s objection.
The new proceedings follow the establishment of the commission of inquiry into TLC, announced on 27 September, and the organisation’s first legal challenge, published on 6 October.
