By Mbono Mdluli
MBABANE – Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, has committed to revamping the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) following alarming findings from a task team appointed to investigate the institution’s challenges.
Speaking on February 5, 2025, at the Ministry of Education and Training Conference Room in Mbabane, Nxumalo acknowledged the extensive issues uncovered by the task team, including outdated academic programs, financial mismanagement, and rampant corruption.
Shocking findings
The interim report revealed severe governance failures, with acts of impunity and financial irregularities deeply embedded in the system. According to the task team, the university had long been plagued by a lack of accountability, resulting in questionable financial practices and mismanagement of resources.
Government’s intervention plan
To restore order and efficiency at UNESWA, the task team has proposed eight key recommendations:
- Forensic Audit: An independent forensic audit firm will be engaged to investigate financial mismanagement, procurement irregularities, and improper use of donor funds.
- Governance Reforms: UNESWA’s governance framework will be overhauled to introduce stronger accountability measures and performance management systems.
- Financial Management Overhaul: A professional financial consultancy firm will be appointed to manage UNESWA’s finances temporarily, ensuring proper budgeting and expenditure control.
- Leadership Restructuring: A team of turnaround experts will oversee senior management for 12–18 months to implement governance and operational reforms.
- Revenue Diversification: UNESWA will reduce its dependence on government funding by revamping income-generating initiatives like Chakaza Holdings.
- Debt Liquidation: Addressing UNESWA’s accumulated debt will be a priority, with the government considering intervention based on forensic audit findings.
- Scholarship Model Revision: The current scholarship system will be replaced with a value-based approach, ensuring students receive essential services such as accommodation, food, and study materials rather than direct cash disbursements.
- Cost Management Measures: Immediate steps will be taken to curb unnecessary expenses, including suspending excessive leave payouts and addressing inefficient resource allocation.
Path to recovery
Nxumalo emphasized that the government will not continue funding an institution riddled with irregularities. He reassured stakeholders that these interventions are aimed at restoring UNESWA’s credibility and financial sustainability, ultimately enhancing the quality of education for students.
The reforms set forth by the government mark a turning point for UNESWA, promising a future of efficiency, accountability, and academic excellence.
