BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE – Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thulisile Dladla has strongly condemned the expulsion of pupils from schools by head teachers demanding immediate payment of school fees, calling for urgent compliance with Eswatini’s Free Primary Education laws.
Speaking at her offices during the donation of E15 000 worth of school bags by LINAC Group, trading as OK Foods Eswatini, the DPM highlighted the long-term consequences of such actions.
“Stop the expulsion of pupils at schools for owing school fees. Some head teachers expel pupils who owe fees amounting to E15 000, for instance. How do you expect an underprivileged child to pay E15 000 if that is money you do not have yourself as a teacher?” she asked rhetorically.
The Deputy Premier emphasised that expelling children creates a cycle of social harm, as children left without education are at risk of becoming involved in criminal activities.
“Education is very important in one’s life. It is through education that people realise or achieve their dreams,” Dladla said.
During the event, Dladla thanked LINAC Group for their ongoing support of the Back-to-School Campaign 2026, noting that such consistent commitment makes a tangible difference in the lives of Eswatini’s children.
“On behalf of His Majesty’s Government, and the beneficiaries, I extend our sincere thanks to LINAC Group for this commitment. Our partnership strengthens our collective effort to build a brighter, more equitable future for every child in Eswatini. I encourage other stakeholders to follow this example and invest in the education and welfare of our children,” she added.
Meanwhile, recent reports indicate that the Ministry of Education and Training has taken decisive action against over 30 head teachers found to be in breach of regulations governing school fees. Investigations revealed widespread non-compliance, with many schools unlawfully charging top-up fees without the ministry’s approval.
Out of 50 public primary schools found to be levying additional fees, only 11 had submitted formal applications to the Ministry seeking approval—a mandatory requirement under Eswatini law. The remaining schools collected fees without authorisation, directly contravening the Constitution of Eswatini (2005) and the Free Primary Education (FPE) Act of 2010, which guarantees free education from Grade I to Grade VII.
Regional data show that the Shiselweni region had the highest number of non-compliant schools, with 18 identified. This was followed by Manzini (10 schools), Lubombo (7 schools), and Hhohho (4 schools).
In response, Principal Secretary Nanikie Mnisi swiftly operationalised the Ministry’s previous warnings. Formal letters were issued to the implicated head teachers, instructing them to justify why they continued to demand unauthorised fees. The letters highlighted that failure to comply would result in disciplinary action.
The Ministry had earlier issued a strongly worded warning, stating that head teachers who continued to demand top-up fees or expelled learners could face charges of theft.
DPM’s remarks and the Ministry’s enforcement efforts underline Eswatini’s commitment to protecting the rights of learners and ensuring that education remains accessible and free, while promoting accountability within the education sector.
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