BY MBONO MDLULI
LOBAMBA – Government has successfully recovered E7 215.04 that was mistakenly paid to an officer who was on long-term study leave in the United States, according to findings contained in the Auditor General’s Compliance Audit Report.
The matter involved an officer identified by Employment Number 30005225 who had been granted study leave from 25 May 2023 until 23 May 2025.
During the leave period, the officer was pursuing a Master of Arts in Sustainable International Development at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts.
The Auditor General reported that the officer received an overpayment of salary in September 2024.
According to the audit findings, the overpayment occurred because salary staggering procedures required under standard Government regulations had not been implemented correctly.
As a result, the officer received E7 215.04 more than he was entitled to receive.
The finding highlighted the importance of ensuring that payroll adjustments are processed accurately whenever employees are placed on study leave or other special employment arrangements.
In response to the audit observation, the Controlling Officer submitted evidence showing that the officer had repaid the full amount.
The recovery was welcomed by the Public Accounts Committee, which viewed it as a positive demonstration of accountability and effective financial oversight.
Members commended the Ministry for acting swiftly to recover the funds and prevent any financial loss to Government.
At the same time, they stressed the need for stronger internal controls to minimise the risk of similar administrative errors occurring in future.
The Committee urged officials to ensure strict compliance with Government procedures governing salary payments and study leave arrangements.
Observers say the case demonstrates the effectiveness of audit processes in identifying weaknesses and prompting corrective action.
Public institutions often manage large payroll systems involving thousands of employees, making robust controls essential for maintaining accuracy and protecting public funds.
The successful recovery also illustrates the willingness of both the employee and Government authorities to resolve the matter responsibly once the error had been identified.
Financial management specialists note that prompt recovery of overpayments is an important aspect of good governance because it ensures that taxpayer funds are used for their intended purposes.
The incident has also renewed calls for ongoing training and monitoring of payroll administration systems to reduce the likelihood of future mistakes.
While the overpayment represented a relatively small amount compared with overall Government expenditure, Parliament stressed that every emalangeni must be properly accounted for.
The Committee concluded that the recovery represented a positive outcome and encouraged continued vigilance across all departments.
With the funds now returned, officials hope that lessons learned from the case will contribute to stronger financial controls and enhanced accountability throughout the public service.
(Courtesy Pic)
