BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE– Government’s intensified campaign against corruption within the Ministry of Home Affairs is being applauded for promoting accountability, but lawmakers have warned that the exercise must also safeguard the mental wellbeing of employees caught up in investigations.
The issue came under the spotlight on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, when the Ministry appeared before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to account for its operations and ongoing efforts to combat corruption.
During the session, officials outlined measures being taken to eliminate unethical practices that have reportedly undermined service delivery and eroded public trust. The crackdown follows allegations that some employees demanded money from members of the public in exchange for promises to fast-track services such as passports, identity documents and birth certificates—services that, in many cases, allegedly never materialised.
Employees to Face Disciplinary Action
As part of the clean-up campaign, several employees are expected to appear before the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to answer allegations relating to corruption and abuse of office.
Ministry management has maintained that the initiative is essential to restoring integrity, strengthening accountability and rebuilding confidence in public services.
However, while supporting efforts to root out corruption, PAC members raised concerns about the emotional toll the process is reportedly having on some employees.
PAC Warns Against Mental Health Fallout
PAC Chairperson Madala Mhlanga cautioned ministry officials against allowing the anti-corruption exercise to create unnecessary suffering among workers.
He stressed that the objective should be to eliminate wrongdoing and improve systems, while ensuring employees are treated fairly and humanely throughout the process.
“The intention is to remove the bad elements and assist where possible, not to make people’s lives miserable,” Mhlanga told the Ministry delegation led by Principal Secretary Nhlanhla Nxumalo.
Mhlanga revealed that he was aware of at least one employee whose mental health had reportedly deteriorated significantly amid the pressure associated with the investigations and disciplinary proceedings. According to the PAC Chairperson, the situation had become serious enough to warrant intervention and support.
Fear and Uncertainty Affecting Morale
The committee further warned that anxiety surrounding the investigations could be affecting staff morale, particularly among employees fearful of possible disciplinary action.
Mhlanga noted that prolonged uncertainty within the workplace could have unintended consequences, including reduced productivity and disruptions to public service delivery.
“There is a danger that productivity could suffer, and members of the public may end up not receiving the services they need in the name of fighting corruption,” he cautioned.
Restoring Trust While Protecting Staff
The Ministry of Home Affairs has recently intensified efforts to address allegations of bribery, delays and fraudulent service promises at several service centres following numerous complaints from the public. Officials insist the campaign is necessary to restore confidence in the institution and improve efficiency.
At the same time, the discussion before PAC highlighted the importance of ensuring that anti-corruption measures are implemented alongside adequate employee support systems. Lawmakers stressed that while accountability remains essential, maintaining staff wellbeing is equally important to sustaining effective public service delivery.
