BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Minister of Labour and Social Security, Phila Buthelezi, has moved to set the record straight following reports alleging that government scholarships are being sold.
Speaking firmly, the Minister assured the nation that scholarships remain a public service initiative and are not for sale under any circumstances.
The allegations suggested that certain officials were demanding bribes before assisting applicants with securing scholarships. Buthelezi described these reports as deeply concerning, stressing that such conduct, if proven, would represent a serious abuse of trust.
“Government does not sell scholarships. These opportunities are meant to empower Emaswati to pursue tertiary education so they can contribute to the country’s economic growth,” Buthelezi said.
He encouraged the public to be vigilant and report any incidents of corruption to law enforcement agencies without hesitation.
“I plead with all Emaswati: if anyone demands money from you in order to issue a scholarship, report them. Bring tangible proof to the Ministry, and we will deal with the matter decisively,” he emphasized.
Limited Resources, National Priorities
The Minister explained that while scholarships are a vital resource for many families, they are limited in number. Not every applicant can be accommodated due to funding constraints. Instead, government allocates scholarships based on national priorities, with emphasis on fields of study that are expected to drive Eswatini’s economic development.
“These scholarships are awarded with the future of the country in mind. The focus is on areas that will address skills shortages and strengthen key sectors of the economy,” he noted.
A Lifeline for Many
Scholarships remain one of the most critical avenues for Emaswati to access higher education, particularly for students from low-income backgrounds. The program not only relieves families of financial burdens but also opens doors to opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.
Stakeholders in the education sector have often highlighted that transparent administration of scholarships is key to ensuring public trust. The Ministry has pledged to tighten oversight and improve communication with applicants to reduce confusion and minimize opportunities for exploitation.
Zero Tolerance for Corruption
Buthelezi concluded by reiterating his Ministry’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, promising that anyone found guilty of demanding bribes in relation to scholarships would face the full force of the law.
“Scholarships exist to empower, not to exploit. We must safeguard this resource for the benefit of all Emaswati,” he declared.
