BY THEMBA ZWANE
EZULWINI – Newly appointed Interim Pre-Service Tertiary Education Study Loans Committee Chairperson Brian Vilakati has pledged that the committee will execute its duties with integrity, honesty and dedication as it undertakes the crucial task of awarding government scholarships for the 2026/27 academic year.
Vilakati made the commitment shortly after Minister of Labour and Social Security Phila Buthelezi officially appointed the new scholarship board at SibaneSami Hotel on Thursday morning.
Responding to the minister’s challenge to eliminate corruption and ensure transparency in the scholarship administration process, Vilakati assured Government and the nation that the committee would waste no time in carrying out its mandate.
“As the newly appointed scholarship board, we will be wasting no time but will immediately start executing our duties with integrity, honesty and dedication as per your request, Honourable Minister,” said Vilakati.
He further promised that the committee would work tirelessly to ensure that all scholarship applications are processed and deserving beneficiaries identified before the commencement of the new academic year.
“We promise, Minister, that we will do everything in our power to ensure that by the time the new academic year commences, all scholarships have been processed and awarded to deserving applicants for all universities and colleges whose learners stand to benefit,” he said.
Vilakati said the committee fully appreciates the confidence and trust that Government has placed in its members and vowed not to disappoint.
“We appreciate the appointment and trust bestowed upon us by Government. We promise to work hard with the assistance of God,” he added.
The chairperson also called upon stakeholders and the public to support the committee in delivering on its national mandate.
“For me, it is important to congratulate the newly appointed scholarship board and make a request that you allow us to assist Government in making this national assignment a success,” he said.
Vilakati also took the opportunity to acknowledge the support that the committee continues to receive from Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Makhosini Mdawe.
He described Mdawe as a dependable source of guidance whose support had been instrumental even during the committee’s previous tenure.
“I would also like to extend appreciation to the Principal Secretary, Makhosini Mdawe, for his continued support. He fully supported us during our last tenure in office and continues to support us,” said Vilakati.
He said the committee would continue to seek guidance and advice from the principal secretary’s office throughout the execution of its duties.
“We will continue seeking guidance and advice from his office. We do need his support,” he said.
The newly appointed committee assumes office amid heightened expectations from Government to ensure a transparent, efficient and corruption-free scholarship selection process that delivers opportunities to deserving students across the country.
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