BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MANZINI – The Minister of Education and Training Hon. Owen Nxumalo has vowed that the ministry will take firm action against headteachers who continue to impose unauthorised top-up fees without following proper procedures.
Hon. Owen Nxumalo stressed that schools found violating regulations will be issued with “show cause” letters, requiring them to explain their conduct, as part of ongoing efforts to enforce compliance within the education sector.
He made the remarks on April 9, 2026, during a meeting at Ngwane Park High School, where headteachers from the Manzini Region had gathered following a directive from the ministry.
The Ministry of Education and Training convened the strategic engagement to address key issues affecting schools, including top-up fees, financial literacy, support for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC), and the implementation of a World Bank-supported programme.
The Minister also expressed government commitment to supporting educators, noting that headteachers play a central role in national development. He said his mandate includes ensuring that teachers are adequately supported, motivated, and equipped to deliver quality education.
Among the issues raised were the status of contract teachers, the placement of qualified educators at primary school level, and the persistent challenge of poor school maintenance due to limited resources. Nxumalo revealed that government is considering the introduction of an education levy as a possible intervention to ease financial pressure on schools.
He also cautioned headteachers against the misuse of OVC support, urging them to uphold integrity and ensure that assistance reaches deserving learners. The minister warned against the practice of registering financially stable pupils as vulnerable beneficiaries.
As part of the programme, Standard Bank Eswatini delivered a financial literacy presentation to headteachers. Principal Secretary Nanikie Mnisi said the bank’s involvement followed earlier engagements with ministry officials and its interest in supporting the education sector.
The PS revealed that Standard Bank has committed to supporting smaller schools that bank with it by providing solar power solutions, while Nedbank Eswatini has pledged to construct an administration block at a school in the Hhohho Region. She emphasised that the ministry is not endorsing any financial institution, and schools remain free to work with banks of their choice.
Director of Education Dr Tholakele Mngometulu also presented on the Competency Based Education (CBE) curriculum, highlighting its focus on practical skills, critical thinking, and learner development as an improvement from the Objective Based Education (OBE) system.
The engagement forms part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration with school leadership, promote accountability, and implement reforms aimed at building a more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable education system.
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