BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
LOBAMBA– Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development Sikhumbuzo Dlamini has reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and accountability, declaring that he will not allow corruption or unexplained funds to enter his ministry.
The minister made the remarks on 10 March 2026 during the House of Assembly Portfolio Committee session on the Budget Debate for the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development. Members of Parliament had sought clarity on certain allocations within the ministry’s budget.
During the session, Dlamini emphasised that any funds allocated to his ministry must come with clear guidelines indicating their source and intended purpose. He stressed that public resources must always be handled responsibly to ensure they benefit emaSwati and support national development.
“As Minister, I will not allow other ministers to move money from their ministries and bring it here without a clear explanation,” he said. “If they have interest in certain funds, they must use them within their own ministries.”
He further explained that accepting funds without proper documentation or guidance could create accountability challenges for the ministry. For this reason, he insisted that all allocations must clearly outline how the funds should be used and where they originate.
“If they are giving me money, they must give it with clear guidelines on how it should be used and where it should go,” he said.
The minister was responding to questions regarding E16 million that had been allocated to Tinkhundla under an item referred to as Return Regional Administration Integration. According to the Finance Committee, the department responsible for the allocation had not clearly explained the intended purpose of the funds.
Dlamini told the committee that he had informed them he was not aware of the allocation and had not requested it.
“When the Finance Committee contacted me to explain how the E16 million would be used, I told them unfortunately I do not know that money. I did not request it and I do not know what it is meant for,” he said.
He warned that accepting such funds without proper clarification could lead to complications later when accounting for public resources.
“This money could tempt me, and I may find myself appearing before the Public Accounts Committee explaining funds I do not know and which came unplanned,” he said.
Despite raising concerns about the unexplained allocation, the minister expressed appreciation for the ministry’s E547 million budget, noting that although the funding was not sufficient to cover all needs, it had been received on time.
Dlamini also outlined several ongoing projects under the ministry aimed at improving service delivery within communities. Among them is the rehabilitation of several Tinkhundla centres that were damaged during the unrest, including Hosea, Ngudzeni, Somntongo and Ekukhanyeni. The work aims to restore vital services and ensure communities continue to access government support close to home.
He added that construction work at the Ngwemphisi and Timphisini centres was nearing completion. Meanwhile, new centres are being built in Phondo and Methula, with contractors already on site and the Microprojects Unit confident that the work will be completed within the expected timeframe.
Phondo Member of Parliament Bonginkosi Dube welcomed the construction of the new Inkhundla centre in the area, saying residents were pleased with the development. However, he appealed for improvements to the road leading to the facility so that people can easily access services.
“The people are happy with the Inkhundla that has been built, but they have one request – that the road should be improved so they can easily travel there to access services,” Dube said.
The minister also highlighted progress made through the Women and Development Programme, which focuses on empowering women with practical skills. Recently, 64 women graduated in fashion and design, while another 71 received specialised training outside the country.
In addition, Dlamini said the Regional Development Fund continues to expand as more emaSwati become aware of how to access and utilise the facility. To date, the fund has supported 105 projects, including 41 infrastructure initiatives and 64 business ventures that contribute to job creation and community development.
He further revealed that a Bill arising from a summit for community leaders and chiefs held at Esibayeni Lodge last year is currently with the Attorney General’s office for certification before it is presented to Cabinet for debate.
Despite the challenges facing the ministry, Dlamini commended Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg for ensuring that budget allocations are released on time.
“Even though the funds are not always enough, we appreciate that they reach us on time and we are able to utilise them for the benefit of emaSwati,” he said.
