…MPs hear claims of unchecked authority, missing supplies and weak oversight
BY MBONO MDLULI
LOBAMBA– The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) was confronted with troubling allegations of financial mismanagement and weak oversight when it examined a case involving more than E1 million allegedly embezzled at Mvembili Agricultural Training Centre.
The matter was discussed on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, during the appearance of the Ministry of Education and Training before the PAC in the House of Assembly.
What initially appeared to be a routine audit query soon developed into a wider discussion about accountability, authority structures and disciplinary challenges within the education sector.
Audit Finds Missing Materials
Mphumelelo Matimelane, who represented Auditor General Timothy Matsebula during the session, informed the committee that auditors had discovered significant irregularities during inspections conducted on December 2, 2025.
According to the audit findings, medicines and chemicals for animals worth more than E900 000 had been purchased for the institution.
However, auditors reportedly found no evidence of the materials during their inspection.
“We found that purchases had been made, but there was nothing on the ground to show for them. Employees were there and being paid, yet there was little evidence of service delivery,” Matimelane told the committee.
The auditors also raised concerns about idle building materials valued at E458 228.70 that remained unused as of March 31, 2025.
When auditors visited the facility later that year, they found that little progress had been made regarding the utilisation of the materials.
Housing Allowance Query Raised
The Auditor General also flagged what was described as an unlawful housing allowance payment.
According to the findings, a principal at the institution received a housing allowance of E12 360 despite occupying a Government-owned two-bedroom house.
The audit further revealed that rent amounting to E1 200 had not been paid.
Auditors noted that deductions should have been made, but this did not happen.
Former Principal Accused of Bypassing Controls
Ministry of Education and Training Principal Secretary (PS) Nanikie Mnisi confirmed many of the concerns raised by auditors and described longstanding governance challenges at the institution.
Without disclosing further details beyond what was discussed during the session, Mnisi alleged that the former principal, identified during the proceedings as Makhanya and who has since retired, frequently bypassed established reporting structures.
According to Mnisi, requests for funds would sometimes be escalated directly to the then Principal Secretary, Bhekithemba Gama, resulting in funds being released despite objections from other officials.
“There were effectively two centres of power and he would take advantage of that situation,” Mnisi told the committee.
She added that when she later became Principal Secretary and sought answers regarding some of the matters, she was allegedly told that she could do little because she did not possess direct disciplinary authority over certain officers.
Materials Redistributed
Mnisi informed the committee that some of the materials in question had since been redistributed to other institutions, including centres at Mpaka and Siteki.
She said Government was also working towards the eventual State opening of the facility and was addressing issues that had delayed its full operation.
The Principal Secretary further noted that disciplinary powers within the education sector are divided among different bodies, including the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC), limiting the Ministry’s ability to take direct action against some categories of employees.
MPs Raise Corruption Concerns
The revelations drew strong reactions from committee members.
Somntongo MP Hon. Sandile Nxumalo questioned how a public officer could allegedly disregard instructions from senior management without consequences.
“There cannot be a situation where a person refuses to take instructions from a Principal Secretary. It raises serious questions about leadership and accountability,” said Nxumalo.
Ludzeludze MP Hon. Nomkhosi Masuku questioned how supplies such as animal feed and other consumables continued to be purchased over time without proper monitoring.
She commended the Ministry for eventually intervening, arguing that greater losses could have occurred had the situation remained unchecked.
Calls For Accountability
Dvokodvweni MP Hon. Sifiso Shabalala described the matter as a possible corruption case involving public funds.
“We have heard from the Principal Secretary that there were individuals exercising authority beyond normal structures. Public money is involved and there must be accountability,” he said.
Shabalala called for those responsible to repay any funds found to have been improperly used.
PAC Deputy Chairperson Hon. Manzi Vincent Zwane also questioned why some individuals were not issued with show-cause letters while disciplinary measures were pursued against others in different circumstances.
Calls For Closed-Door Discussion
Ngwemphisi MP Hon. Bishop Bhekibandla Vilakati suggested that some aspects of the matter might be better discussed in a closed session because of their sensitivity and the possibility that additional issues could emerge.
As the committee sought further explanations from officials, Mnisi requested protection from the PAC and supported suggestions that certain aspects of the matter be discussed behind closed doors.
The request came as members prepared to question other education officials regarding the handling of the case and the disciplinary processes that followed.
PAC Continues Probe
The PAC indicated that it would continue examining the matter as part of its oversight role to ensure accountability for public resources.
The committee’s discussion highlighted broader concerns about governance, monitoring and disciplinary systems within public institutions, particularly where significant amounts of public funds are involved.
(Courtesy Pic)
