…King’s praise singer ‘Msandi Kababa’ appointed as board member
BY THEMBA ZWANE
EZULWINI – Minister of Labour and Social Security Phila Buthelezi has praised the newly appointed Interim Pre-Service Tertiary Education Study Loans Committee for their willingness to serve the nation, describing their role as being “as good as volunteering” due to the minimal remuneration attached to the position.
Speaking during the appointment of the new scholarship selection board at SibaneSami Hotel, Buthelezi expressed Government’s appreciation for the sacrifice being made by committee members in taking up the demanding national assignment, statiting that ‘bayahlehla’ because of their very low wages.
The minister noted that while the committee carries enormous responsibility in determining the future of thousands of scholarship applicants, members receive very little remuneration for their services.
“These are people who have accepted to serve Government and the nation despite the fact that the remuneration they receive is very small,” said Buthelezi.
He said the commitment shown by the board members demonstrated a genuine desire to contribute to national development and expand educational opportunities for deserving emaSwati students.
According to the minister, service on the scholarship board should be viewed largely as a voluntary contribution to the country rather than a financially rewarding undertaking.
“Serving on this committee is as good as volunteering. That is why Government greatly appreciates the sacrifice and dedication of these individuals,” he said.
Buthelezi said the board’s work requires members to devote significant amounts of time to reviewing applications, interviewing candidates and making difficult decisions that directly affect the educational aspirations of young people across the country.
He said despite the challenges associated with the task, the newly appointed committee had accepted the responsibility with a commitment to serve with integrity and professionalism.
The minister further acknowledged that the scholarship selection process is one of the most closely scrutinised government programmes, making the work of committee members both demanding and sensitive.
He therefore thanked the board members for accepting the appointment and for placing national interests ahead of personal gain.
“The nation should appreciate the commitment shown by these men and women. They have accepted a huge responsibility, not because of financial rewards, but because they want to contribute towards the development of our country through education,” he said.
The newly appointed committee has been tasked with overseeing the selection and recommendation of successful applicants for government study loans and scholarships for the 2026/27 academic year.
Government has also challenged the committee to ensure that the process is conducted transparently, efficiently and free from corruption while ensuring that deserving students receive assistance before the commencement of the new academic year.
Meanwhile, notable faces in the new scholarship selection board include King’s praise singer Sandile ‘Msandi Kababa’ Nxumalo among others.
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