BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE– Government has established a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the operations and affairs of the Eswatini Medical Christian University (EMCU) following concerns over the institution’s administration and management.
Announcing the development during a press briefing at the Cabinet Offices this morning, Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini said Government was responding to growing concerns regarding the university’s financial and operational affairs.
The Prime Minister said the nation was aware of the challenges currently facing EMCU, a public enterprise that falls under the Ministry of Education and Training. He noted that allegations had emerged in recent months relating to the management of the institution.
“Government takes such matters seriously and remains committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability, transparency and good governance across all public institutions,” Dlamini said.
In terms of Section 3 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1963, the Prime Minister announced the appointment of a five-member Commission tasked with investigating the matter.
The Commission will be chaired by Mbuso Simelane, with Setsabile Matsebula-Khumalo serving as vice chairperson. Other members are Mangaliso Magagula and Lunga Dlamini, while Hlobsile Ndzimandze will serve as secretary.
According to the Prime Minister, the Commission has been mandated to investigate allegations of impropriety, maladministration, misconduct, fraud and malpractice within the institution.
It will also examine allegations relating to abuse of authority, dishonesty, collusion, conflicts of interest, governance deficiencies and compliance with applicable policies, procedures, codes of conduct and regulatory requirements.
Dlamini said the inquiry would go beyond individual allegations and seek to identify systemic weaknesses that may have contributed to the challenges experienced by the university.
“The Commission will make recommendations aimed at strengthening governance, accountability and institutional effectiveness,” he said.
The Commission of Inquiry will be based at EMCU for a period of four weeks, during which it is expected to conduct investigations and compile a report containing its findings and recommendations for submission to Government.
Government has assured the public that the exercise is intended to establish the facts, protect the integrity of the institution and ensure that appropriate corrective measures are taken where necessary.
Dlamini said the inquiry was being undertaken in the interests of students, staff, stakeholders and the country at large, emphasising Government’s commitment to ensuring sound governance and accountability within public institutions.
The Commission:
Chairperson – Mbuso Simelane
Vice-Chairperson – Setsabile Matsebula-Khumalo
Secretary – Hlobsile Ndzimandze
Members
Mangaliso Magagula
Lunga Dlamini
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(Featured Image By: Eswatini Government)
