- Buthelezi highlights need for tighter controls and verification systems within the scholarship administration process
BY THEMBA ZWANE
EZULWINI – Minister of Labour and Social Security Phila Buthelezi has challenged newly appointed members of the Interim Pre-Service Tertiary Education Study Loans Committee to eliminate corruption and restore public confidence in the administration of government scholarships.
Speaking during the appointment of the committee at SibaneSami Hotel on Thursday morning, Buthelezi urged the members to carry out their duties with honesty, transparency, dedication and integrity, reminding them that they were serving both Government and the nation.
The minister said the committee’s primary responsibility should be to ensure that deserving students benefit from the scholarship programme without interference from corrupt practices.
Interest of the Nation Must Come First
“You are serving Government and the people of Eswatini. The interests of the nation must always come first in the execution of your duties,” he said.
Buthelezi expressed concern over reports of individuals allegedly defrauding scholarship applicants by claiming to have connections within the ministry and promising to facilitate the approval of study loans in exchange for money.
He called on the committee to remain vigilant and work closely with relevant authorities to stop such practices.
The minister said members should ensure that no applicant is disadvantaged by fraudsters who exploit vulnerable families seeking educational opportunities for their children.
He further referred to previous incidents involving applicants who were allegedly found in possession of fake scholarship award letters. The matter, he said, was eventually resolved through court processes, highlighting the need for tighter controls and verification systems within the scholarship administration process.
Committee to Fastrack Scholarship Selection Process
Beyond tackling corruption, Buthelezi also directed the committee to expedite or fastrack the scholarship selection process to ensure that all decisions are finalised before institutions of higher learning commence the new academic year.
He said it was important that successful applicants receive their awards on time and that unsuccessful applicants are informed of their status before universities and colleges open, rather than remaining hopeful of receiving communication from the ministry at a later stage.
The minister said delays in communicating scholarship outcomes often create uncertainty for students and parents, making it difficult for them to make alternative arrangements for tertiary education.
“We need a process that is efficient, transparent and timely. Those who qualify must know in good time, and those who do not qualify must also be informed so that they can explore other options without unnecessary delays,” he said.
Mandate Includes Interviewing, Selection and Recommendation
The committee was appointed through Legal Notice No. 96 of 2026 under the Commissions of Enquiry Act of 1963. Its mandate includes interviewing, selecting and recommending suitable candidates for study loans for the 2026/27 academic year, applying the Government-approved list of tertiary institutions and courses, assessing applicants against approved criteria and ensuring recommendations are made within the approved budget ceiling.
The newly appointed committee will be chaired by Brian Vilakati who has been re-appointed, members include Musa Dlamini, Sandile Nkosinathi Nxumalo, Jabulani Mavuso, Xolile Mkhonta, Annelisa Stoffels, Mandla Dlamini, Sindisiwe Dube, Sifisosethu Bhembe and Wandile Mkhabela. Nqobile Dlamini and Ngucuko Dlamini will serve as secretariat members.
According to the legal notice, the committee has six months to complete its work and submit a final report to the minister detailing its recommendations and any administrative or policy issues identified during the process.
Country’s Human Capital Development
Buthelezi said the integrity of the scholarship programme was critical to ensuring that public resources reach deserving students and contribute meaningfully to the country’s human capital development.
He urged committee members to uphold the highest standards of accountability throughout the selection process, warning that any form of corruption would undermine public trust and deny deserving learners access to educational opportunities.
The New Scholarship Board:
Chairperson: Brian Vilakati
Members:
Musa Dlamini
Sandile Nkosinathi Nxumalo
Jabulani Mavuso (Finance)
Xolile Mkhonta
Annelisa Stoffels
Mandla Dlamini
Sindisiwe Dube
Sifisosethu Bhembe
Wandile Mkhabela
Mlandvo Dlamini
Secretariat Members:
Nqobile Dlamini
Ngucuko Dlamini
#Government #Eswatini #LabourMinistry #Education #Appointment #SocialSecurity
