BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE
MBABANE– Government has intensified efforts to improve public service delivery by equipping officials with advanced planning and budgeting skills aimed at ensuring every lilangeni spent delivers measurable benefits for citizens.
The Ministry of Economic Planning and Development today launched a two-day Refresher Course on Planning and Budgeting under the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) Framework at the MVA Headquarters Conference Room. The initiative forms part of government’s broader strategy to strengthen accountability, improve financial management and ensure national development priorities are translated into practical, results-driven programmes.
The training has brought together officials responsible for planning and budgeting across central government ministries and agencies, including representatives from the Policy, Planning and Coordination Unit (PPCU). Participants are receiving updated knowledge and practical guidance on IFMIS-aligned planning and budgeting processes to ensure greater consistency in the way government institutions prepare their annual plans and budgets.
Officially opening the workshop, Acting Principal Planning Officer Banele Mavimbela said effective planning and budgeting remain the foundation of quality public service delivery and sustainable national development.
He encouraged participants to fully engage in the sessions, saying the knowledge gained would enable them to produce stronger development plans, prepare more realistic budgets and improve implementation within their respective institutions.
Mavimbela also highlighted the importance of stronger coordination among government agencies, noting that improved collaboration would enhance alignment with national priorities while ensuring full compliance with the IFMIS framework. He said this would ultimately contribute to more efficient utilisation of public resources and improved accountability.
One of the key sessions focused on the 2027/28 Planning Circular, presented by Lindelo Ngwenya, who guided participants through the Programme-Based Planning and Budgeting model.
The presentation demonstrated how ministries and government agencies should develop programmes that directly support measurable development outcomes, ensuring that budget allocations are linked to tangible results rather than simply funding activities.
Participants were also taken through the logical planning framework, covering Programmes, Sub-Programmes, Outcomes, Central Activities for both recurrent and capital expenditure, as well as Specific Activities. The approach is designed to strengthen the connection between planning, budgeting and implementation, enabling government to better monitor performance and maximise value for money.
Beyond classroom presentations, the refresher course includes practical exercises and interactive discussions that will help participants refine budget formulation techniques, improve planning quality and strengthen reporting within the IFMIS environment.
The initiative reflects the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development’s continued commitment to building a capable, accountable and results-oriented public service. By strengthening planning and budgeting capacity across government, the ministry aims to ensure that public resources are directed towards programmes that accelerate national development, improve service delivery and enhance the quality of life for emaSwati.
(Courtesy Pic)
