…Government given 60 days to align regulations and implement recommendations
BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
LOBAMBA – Parliament has cleared the way for the implementation of the Scholarship Revolving Fund after adopting the Finance Committee’s report recommending key amendments to the regulations, a move expected to unlock funding opportunities for emaSwati students.
The report, presented by Finance Committee Chairperson Marwick T. Khumalo, followed the committee’s engagements with the Ministries of Finance and Labour and Social Security on the continued non-implementation of the Scholarship Revolving Fund Regulations.
Hon Marwick Khumalo moved the motion for the House to adopt the report, which was seconded by Sigwe Member of Parliament David Cruiser Ngcamphalala, who represented Mafutseni MP Sabelo Mtetwa. The House unanimously agreed to adopt the report.
Presenting the report, Khumalo thanked Members of Parliament for their contributions and recalled that although Parliament had already passed the law establishing the Scholarship Revolving Fund, challenges emerged during its implementation due to a lack of clarity in certain provisions.
He explained that the legislation, which falls under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, requires a committee to oversee the selection of beneficiaries in collaboration with a financial institution. However, he said the law does not clearly define who should be responsible for selecting applicants, creating uncertainty that has slowed implementation.
Khumalo emphasised that the regulations are intended to ensure the fund operates effectively and fairly while benefiting deserving emaSwati students. He said clarifying the roles and responsibilities in the selection process would strengthen the implementation of the programme.
Responding to the debate, Minister of Labour and Social Security Phila Buthelezi thanked the mover and seconder of the motion and assured Parliament that the ministry would implement the committee’s recommendations.
He welcomed the recommendation for the release of E30 million to operationalise the fund but requested that Parliament extend the implementation period from 30 to 60 days to allow sufficient consultations with the Attorney General’s Office before the necessary amendments are finalised.
Minister of Public Service Mabula Masilela supported the request, saying 30 days would be insufficient. He also encouraged universities to offer programmes that respond to the country’s current labour market demands to improve graduate employability.
During the debate, Manzini Regional Member of Parliament Thandeka Mavuso sought clarification on how beneficiaries who fail to secure employment after graduation would repay the loan.
In response, Khumalo said the revolving fund is designed to support emaSwati students in accessing higher education and clarified that graduates would only begin repaying the loan once they secure employment and start earning an income.
Following the debate, Parliament agreed to extend the implementation period to 60 days before unanimously adopting the Finance Committee’s report, clearing the way for Government to strengthen the Scholarship Revolving Fund Regulations and accelerate the fund’s implementation for the benefit of students nationwide.
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