BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE – Nathi Dlamini, CEO of Business Eswatini, has called on government ministries to urgently resolve the issue of unpaid invoices and ensure timely communication with suppliers.
This follows a January 7, 2025, statement from the Ministry of Finance, which announced that the Treasury Department had successfully processed all invoices submitted to it, leaving no pending payments in the Checking or EFT Departments.
However, Dlamini revealed that the issue lies with invoices not being forwarded to the Treasury by some ministries.
“While the Treasury has fulfilled its mandate, the problem originates at the ministry level,” Dlamini explained.
“Invoices are being held in ministry offices, often because they’ve exceeded their budgets. These invoices are not forwarded to the Treasury for payment, leaving suppliers unpaid and in the dark,” he said.
Dlamini highlighted that some ministries delay submitting invoices until the next budget cycle in April to conceal overspending. This practice means that many suppliers face months of waiting for payments they rightfully earned.
“Why would you use a service and then not forward the invoice for payment?” Dlamini questioned.
“It often happens when ministries realize they have gone over budget and fear Treasury may reject the payment.”
The Business Eswatini CEO emphasized the need for ministries to communicate openly with suppliers when such delays occur.
“At the very least, ministries owe suppliers an explanation. Holding onto invoices without informing the affected businesses creates unnecessary frustration and mistrust,” he said.
Dlamini shared that this lack of communication unfairly tarnishes government’s reputation. Suppliers often blame the Treasury or government leadership for non-payment when the issue stems from individual ministries withholding invoices.
“We encourage ministries to take responsibility and inform suppliers about the status of their invoices,” Dlamini said.
“This would help suppliers plan accordingly and manage their expectations, reducing unnecessary tension between businesses and government,” he stated
He urged ministries to act immediately by locating the invoices they have withheld and submitting them to the Treasury.
“Ministries must be transparent and accountable. Timely payments are not only a contractual obligation but also essential for sustaining businesses and driving economic growth,” Dlamini said.
Business Eswatini’s statement highlights the broader economic implications of delayed payments. Many suppliers rely on these payments to maintain operations, pay employees, and deliver essential services, making efficient financial processes within ministries critical to national development.
