BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (DPMO) has urged applicants for social grants to remain patient as it continues to process applications amid technical challenges affecting its systems.
The appeal follows delays in the processing of applications for elderly and disability grants, which are administered by the DPMO as part of Government efforts to support vulnerable members of society. In a statement issued on Thursday, 15 January 2026, the office acknowledged concerns raised by members of the public who are awaiting feedback on their applications.
According to the statement, the delays are the result of technical problems being experienced by the DPMO in collaboration with the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP). The RSTP is responsible for providing technical support and systems management for the application process. These challenges have slowed the verification and processing of information submitted by applicants, resulting in longer waiting periods than initially anticipated.
The DPMO explained that the affected applicants include individuals who recently applied to be added to the social grants beneficiaries’ list. These grants play a critical role in assisting elderly citizens and persons living with disabilities, many of whom rely on the funds to meet basic needs such as food, health care and transport.
Despite the delays, the DPMO assured the public that work is ongoing to resolve the technical issues as quickly as possible. The office emphasised that no applications have been discarded and that all submitted requests will be processed once the system challenges have been addressed.
“The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister wishes to assure all applicants that they will be informed as soon as the situation returns to normal,” the statement read. The office also committed itself to providing updates to keep applicants informed of progress.
The DPMO further issued an apology for any inconvenience caused by the delays, acknowledging the financial strain that prolonged waiting periods may place on applicants and their families. The office appealed for continued patience and understanding as technical teams work to restore full functionality to the systems involved.
Social grants remain a key component of the Government’s social protection programme, aimed at improving the quality of life of vulnerable populations. The DPMO reiterated its commitment to ensuring that eligible beneficiaries receive the support to which they are entitled once the challenges are resolved.
