- MPs call for stronger monitoring systems as questions emerge over delivery of vocational equipment
BY MBONO MDLULI
LOBAMBA – The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has expressed concern over educational materials worth approximately E1 million that were reportedly delivered to schools but could not be fully verified during an audit exercise.
The matter emerged during the appearance of the Ministry of Education and Training before the PAC on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 in the House of Assembly, where questions were raised about the delivery of consumer science, agriculture, design and technology, as well as fashion and fabric materials intended for schools.
Mphumelelo Matimelane, representing Auditor General (AG) Timothy Matsebula, informed the committee that although the materials had been purchased, auditors were unable to fully verify their delivery.
According to the audit findings, materials were reportedly procured for 45 schools, yet verification was only conducted at 20 schools.
Among the concerns raised was the delivery of sewing machines. Records indicated that 10 sewing machines had been procured, but only three could be verified at the time of inspection.
Ministry Explains Discrepancies
Responding to the concerns, Ministry of Education and Training Principal Secretary (PS) Nanikie Mnisi, who is the Ministry’s Controlling Officer, said the materials had indeed been delivered to schools.
However, she explained that some of the items were not located in the specific laboratories where inspectors expected to find them.
She said the inspectors confirmed that the materials had been delivered, but some of them were not found in the designated laboratories. Mnisi further informed the PAC that in some cases, sewing machines had been transferred to other schools because they were not being utilised where they were originally allocated.
She added that there was a need to improve communication and awareness among inspectors regarding the movement and placement of educational materials within schools.
Mnisi acknowledged that communication challenges occasionally arose within the Ministry due to its size and complexity, although she clarified that this should not be interpreted as an inability by the Ministry to manage its responsibilities.
Auditor Explain Verification Process
The auditor on the ground, who was called upon by the PAC to explain what happened, maintained that they followed standard procedures when conducting the verification exercise.
She explained that schools were informed in advance about the visits and that the audit team worked with information provided by ministry officials.
According to the records reviewed by the auditor, vocational education equipment had been procured for a total of 45 schools.
However, auditors were directed to 20 schools and were unable to verify the remaining schools during the exercise.
“We spoke to the Financial Controller and were informed about the 20 schools. We were therefore unable to visit the remaining schools to confirm the delivery of the materials,” she explained.
MPs Raise Concerns Over Monitoring
Somntongo MP Hon. Sandile Nxumalo used the discussion to highlight challenges facing Regional Education Offices (REOs).
He argued that REOs often lack adequate resources to effectively monitor schools under their jurisdiction.
“There are very few officers in the regions and they are expected to cover large areas with limited resources. In some instances, an entire region may have only one vehicle available,” said Nxumalo.
He said these limitations made it difficult for REOs to visit schools regularly and verify whether resources allocated by the Ministry had reached their intended destinations.
Debate Over Role Of REOs
PAC Deputy Chairperson Hon. Manzi Vincent Zwane questioned whether Regional Education Officers should play a more active role in the delivery and monitoring of educational materials.
He said involving REOs could help decentralise some functions of the Ministry and strengthen accountability at regional level.
Zwane indicated that the inability to immediately verify some of the materials created uncertainty and raised unnecessary questions.
However, Mnisi said procurement regulations did not allow REOs to receive materials destined for schools.
She explained that REOs could only receive materials intended for their offices and that involving them directly in the delivery chain could conflict with procurement procedures.
Calls for Better Oversight
Dvokodvweni Hon. MP Sifiso Shabalala said that regardless of procurement procedures, there should be mechanisms to verify whether materials had reached their intended beneficiaries.
He suggested that stronger monitoring systems were needed and that school headteachers should also play a more active role in communicating the status of educational resources.
Nxumalo reiterated that REOs needed adequate transport and resources to effectively monitor schools and assist in addressing audit findings.
Both Zwane and Phondo MP Hon. Bonginkhosi Dube argued that REOs, as senior education officials within the regions, should be involved in some form of oversight regarding the distribution of educational materials.
Mhlanga Warns Against Ignoring Procurement Rules
PAC Chairperson Hon. Madala Mhlanga cautioned members against proposing solutions that could conflict with existing procurement laws and procedures.
He said concerns about the role of REOs and possible policy changes should be raised through appropriate parliamentary channels such as motions and questions for oral answer.
“It would not be right to disregard procurement procedures simply because we are experiencing challenges. If there is a need for change, there are proper platforms within Parliament to pursue those changes,” said Mhlanga.
The PAC maintained that stronger monitoring and verification systems were necessary to ensure that educational materials purchased with public funds reach the schools for which they are intended
