BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – Minister of Health Hon. Mduduzi Matsebula has officially unveiled the new Eswatini Health and Human Research Review Board (EHHRRB) for the 2026–2028 term, reaffirming the country’s commitment to ethical, transparent and scientifically sound research.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony held at Mountain View Hotel on January 19, 2026, the minister described the occasion as a major milestone in strengthening ethical oversight and safeguarding the dignity, safety and rights of all research participants in Eswatini.
He noted that health is an evidence-based sector and one of the most active research fields in the country, with the EHHRRB processing over 100 research ethics applications each year. He said the Ministry of Health relies heavily on research findings to guide planning, programming, service delivery, monitoring and evaluation.
“Bioethics is a cornerstone of research,” Matsebula said, adding that the board’s work aligns with international standards, including UNESCO’s call for independent ethics committees and the World Health Organisation’s Good Clinical Practice Guidelines.
He emphasised that independence is vital in ensuring that board decisions remain objective and free from influence by researchers, sponsors or other vested interests, thereby maintaining public trust and credibility in the research process.
The minister also paid tribute to the outgoing 2023–2025 board members for their professionalism and integrity, highlighting their role in strengthening Eswatini’s research ethics governance systems and contributing to proposed legislative amendments for the board.
He said the new board was appointed through a merit-based process to ensure integrity, competence and independence, and urged members to uphold the highest ethical standards while promoting scientific advancement.
The 2026–2028 Eswatini Health and Human Research Review Board (EHHRRB) is chaired by Dr. Sabelo Dlamini. The board members are Prof. Tengetile Dlamini, Dr. Mduduzi Shongwe, Dr. Vuyo Gama, Dr. Bernhard Kerschberger, Dr. Siphiwe Thwala, Sibongile Magongo, Mr. Bongani Dlamini, Dr. Caspian Chouraya, Sibusiso Nhlabatsi, Prof. Samuel Mndzebele and Hlobisile Nkambule-Bhembe. Rev. Dr. J.V. Mazibuko serves as the Community Representative, while Babazile Shongwe has been appointed as the Board Secretary.
Minister Mduduzi Matsebula officially commissioned the board, calling on the research community and the public to support its mandate in protecting research participants and promoting ethical scientific work.
Meanwhile, newly appointed Chairperson Dr. Sabelo Dlamini expressed gratitude for the trust placed in the board and pledged to lead with integrity.
“We are honoured to serve the nation in this capacity,” he said. “Our priority is to ensure that all research conducted in Eswatini meets the highest ethical and scientific standards, while protecting the rights and wellbeing of every participant.”
He said the board would work closely with the Ministry of Health and all stakeholders to strengthen research governance and promote responsible innovation for national development.
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