BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MATSAPHA– The Civil Service Commission Chairperson, Simanga Mamba, has called for stronger accountability, competence, and ethical governance among public accountants, saying that improving public finance begins with officers who can confidently defend their work and uphold transparency.
Speaking during the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) Change Management Workshop 2025 held at Esibayeni Lodge, Mamba made his remarks as part of discussions on aligning public financial reforms with Eswatini’s legal framework.
He said that for the country to achieve effective financial management, public officers must combine compliance with professional competence and integrity.
“If we are to improve public finance, we should have accounting officers who are ready to defend their audit reports and assist in consequence management. The Public Accounts Committee should not be about whistleblowing only, but must ensure that those responsible for financial losses face the consequences of their actions,” Mamba said.
He stressed that accounting goes beyond balancing books , it is about balancing the scales of economic justice. He urged accountants to focus on whether public spending truly improves people’s lives, rather than simply following figures and paperwork.
To illustrate this, Mamba questioned whether public projects always reflect their stated worth.
“If we say we’ve built a bridge worth E30 million, is that bridge really worth E30 million in terms of value and quality or is it an exaggerated cost?” he asked. “Accountants must ensure that what is paid for is exactly what is delivered, meeting proper standards and serving citizens effectively.”
“The best accountants don’t just see numbers; they see the potential for financial transformation. Every expenditure should be about changing lives, not just about completing reports,” he emphasized.
Mamba further highlighted the need for capacity building in interpreting legal contracts, especially within the procurement sector, to ensure that payments and projects comply with legal and ethical standards. He questioned whether current officers possess the necessary skills to manage complex financial and contractual obligations.
He also underlined the importance of consequence management, saying that when mistakes occur or funds are misused, recovery and disciplinary processes must follow swiftly and fairly.
In his remarks, Mamba called for the recruitment and retention of competent and morally upright professionals in the public sector, noting that qualifications alone are not enough. “Competence is not just about knowledge it is also about attitude and integrity,” he said.
Mamba commended the Ministry of Finance and Treasury Department for steering the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) adoption process, which is set to take effect in April 2026, saying the reform marks “a new chapter of professionalism and accountability” in Eswatini’s financial systems.
“To deliver effectively, we need a strong public finance function built on ethics, competence, and responsibility. That is how we will transform our public service and ensure value for every cent spent,” he concluded.
