BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
LOBAMBA – The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has raised concerns over the rising wage bill at the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP), which increased from E82.9 million in 2024 to E91 million in 2025 despite recommendations to contain operational costs.
The matter came under scrutiny during a PAC sitting with the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology and its parastatals on June 22,2026, chaired by Deputy Speaker Madala Mhlanga.
Members of the Committee questioned the sustainability of the growing personnel costs at a time when the institution continues to face financial challenges, including accumulated losses and recurring operating deficits.
According to findings presented by Auditor General Timothy Matsebula, RSTP’s wage bill consumed a significant portion of the institution’s resources. The Auditor General noted that Government provided a subvention of E103.3 million during the 2024 financial year, while employee costs alone stood at E82.9 million, leaving limited resources for other operational requirements.
The Committee further noted that instead of declining, the wage bill increased to E91 million in 2025, prompting Members to seek clarity on the factors driving the growth.
Responding to the concerns, RSTP Chief Finance Officer Nomvula Gulwako said the increase was largely linked to the integration of employees from Computer Services into the organisation. She explained that salaries and benefits of the affected employees were aligned with RSTP standards following the merger process.
The alignment included additional benefits such as a 20 percent pension contribution and medical aid cover, resulting in higher personnel costs.
Gulwako also informed the Committee that RSTP currently employs 211 workers. Deputy Speaker Madala Mhlanga sought confirmation of the figure and asked management to ensure that the records reflect the correct employee complement.
Despite the increase in staff costs, the CFO said the institution was implementing measures to improve financial sustainability, including a new billing model, enhanced revenue generation initiatives and strategic outsourcing of specialised services to manage expenditure more effectively.
PAC emphasised the importance of ensuring that personnel costs remain sustainable and aligned with the institution’s revenue base as RSTP works towards improving its financial position.
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