BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE– Government has intensified efforts to recover E381 536.47 spent on the training of a former officer from the National Fire and Emergency Services Department after he allegedly failed to honour the terms of a bonding agreement signed before embarking on studies in South Africa.
The matter came under scrutiny during deliberations of the Public Accounts Committee, which considered findings contained in the Auditor General’s report relating to Government-sponsored training programmes. The findings of the PAC were contained into a PAC report of 2024, which has been tabled before the House of Assembly.
According to the Auditor General, the officer, identified by Employment Number 3958658, was granted authority to pursue a National Diploma in Fire Technology at Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria. The training programme was funded by Government and ran from 8 February 2010 until 31 December 2012.
Under the terms of the sponsorship arrangement, the officer was expected to return to Eswatini and resume his duties upon completion of the programme. However, the Auditor General reported that the officer failed to report for duty in January 2013 as expected.
The report further noted that there was no evidence showing that the officer had completed the Government-sponsored training programme. Instead of returning to work after the approved study period, the officer reportedly disappeared from service and only resurfaced four years later in 2017.
The prolonged absence was viewed as a breach of the bonding agreement that had been entered into between the officer and Government. As a result, the Auditor General concluded that the individual was liable to reimburse Government for the full amount spent on his studies.
The issue highlights the importance of bonding agreements, which are designed to ensure that public funds invested in training and professional development ultimately benefit the country through improved public service delivery.
When appearing before the Public Accounts Committee, the Controlling Officer informed members that the matter had been referred to the Attorney General’s Office for legal action aimed at recovering the debt.
The Committee welcomed the steps already taken and emphasised the need for continued follow-up to ensure that the funds are recovered. Members noted that Government invests substantial amounts of money in developing the skills of public servants and that beneficiaries must be held accountable when they fail to fulfil their obligations.
The Committee subsequently recommended that the Controlling Officer maintain regular engagement with the Attorney General’s Office and provide updates on progress. It further requested that updates be submitted every six months to both the Committee and the Auditor General.
Observers say the case sends an important message about accountability in the public sector. Recovering the funds would not only protect taxpayers’ money but also reinforce the principle that Government-sponsored opportunities come with responsibilities.
The matter is expected to remain under close monitoring as authorities continue their efforts to secure repayment of the training costs. If successful, the recovery would demonstrate Government’s commitment to safeguarding public resources and ensuring that investments made in human capital development deliver value for the nation.
(Courtesy Pic)
