BY BANELE MAGONGO
MBABANE – The Ministry of Home Affairs has been able to make an amount of E11 978 025 in a space of three months.
The Ministry has made this amount from April 2024 to June 2024. This is contained in the 2024/25 first quarter budget performance report tabled by Minister for Home Affairs, Her Royal Highness (HRH) Princess Lindiwe.
The minister tabled the report before the Parliamentary Senate Portfolio Committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs. It was tabled yesterday (Tuesday August 6, 2024). The first quarter of the 2024/25 fiscal year runs from April 2024 to June 2024.
During this period, the Ministry reported a revenue of E11 978 025 for this reporting period, with permits being the major contributor followed by travel documents, Births, Marriages, and Deaths (BMDs), and identity cards, commonly known as IDs.
Among the key achievements highlighted in the report are the successful celebration of His Majesty’s 56th birthday and the launch of a mop-up exercise in the Hhohho and Manzini regions. The ongoing exercise is simultaneously taking place in both regions, aiming to ensure the completeness and accuracy of official records.
It is stated the Ministry has made significant efforts to address late registration incidences through the implementation of the ‘closing of the tap’ program. This permanent initiative aims to facilitate new birth registrations in hospitals and is currently available in Mbabane, Hlathikhulu, Pigg’s Peak Government Hospitals, RFM, and Nhlangano Health Centre.
Despite these accomplishments, the Minister highlighted several challenges faced by the Ministry. These include a shortage of vehicles, breakdown of working equipment such as cameras for Ids, and a shortage of staff. Addressing these challenges will be crucial in ensuring the effective delivery of services and maintaining operational efficiency within the Ministry.
The presentation of the 1st quarter budget performance report reflects the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in serving the citizens of the country. As efforts continue to address challenges and build on achievements, the Ministry remains dedicated to enhancing the quality and accessibility of services provided to the public.
