BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
LOBAMBA – Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla has defended the Government’s E50 million allocation to The Luke Commission (TLC), stating that the funding will support vulnerable emaSwati amid financial challenges faced by the institution due to declining donor assistance.
Speaking during a Senate sitting on March 30, 2026, during the tabling of international instruments and adoption of Portfolio Committee reports, the Deputy Prime Minister dismissed claims that the funding benefits individuals, stressing that it is intended to serve the nation.
“The E50 million is going to help emaSwati, not the Deputy Prime Minister,” she said.
She explained that TLC has historically relied heavily on donor support, which has significantly declined over time. In the past, donors contributed essential resources, including wheelchairs, medication, and transport support for patients.
“TLC was not generating profit. It depended largely on donors, who have since reduced their support,” she said.
Dladla noted that converting TLC into a public enterprise would not be viable, as it would require an estimated E500 million in Government funding due to its advanced medical operations and specialised equipment.
She added that the institution plays a crucial role in delivering healthcare services to rural communities through mobile outreach units such as thrones.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the E50 million allocation is intended to bridge the funding gap and ensure continued service delivery.
Addressing concerns over rising service costs, she acknowledged that some fees, including charges for patients requiring overnight monitoring, have increased due to financial pressures. However, she maintained that assistance for the less privileged remains in place.
“What is E50 million compared to the needs of emaSwati who require these services?” she asked.
While supporting the allocation, Senators raised concerns about affordability and governance.
Senator Chief Zabeni questioned the rising cost of services at TLC, warning that it is becoming increasingly expensive for ordinary emaSwati to access care.
Other Senators noted that while the funding is necessary, proper procedures must be followed, arguing that TLC appears to operate like a private hospital, considering its fee structure.
Senator Chief Prince Mphatfwa called for clarity on the formal agreement between Government and TLC, questioning the absence of a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Responding to the concerns, Attorney General Sifiso Mashampu Khumalo said discussions are ongoing and the agreement will be presented to Senators once finalised.
He added that the release of funds will depend on the establishment of proper safeguards and a clear operational framework.
“The money is meant to support organisations that help ease the burden on Government health facilities and save lives,” he said.
Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg further clarified that the funds will only be released once the Ministry of Health and TLC conclude their agreement.
For the 2025/2026 financial year, Government allocated a total of E50 million to TLC, following an earlier E30 million injection to support the organisation during a financial crisis.
The funding is aimed at sustaining TLC’s delivery of free and low-cost healthcare services, particularly after increased demand between 2024 and 2025.
Despite financial challenges, TLC reported that the 2025 allocation enabled it to deliver medical services valued at over E450 million.
The organisation remains a key player in Eswatini’s healthcare system, providing inpatient and outpatient services, operating a commercial oxygen plant, and contributing significantly to intensive care services in the country.
Meanwhile, Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini, who chaired the sitting, commended the Deputy Prime Minister for her firm and passionate defence of the allocation.
She said Dladla’s stance reflects a strong commitment to supporting institutions that directly impact the lives of emaSwati.
