…Legislators raise concerns over retired officer’s outstanding debt
BY MBONO MDLULI
LOBAMBA– The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has questioned the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation over an unrecovered car advance of E179 000 issued to a former employee stationed at Eswatini’s mission in Washington, D.C.
The matter emerged during the Ministry’s appearance before the PAC, where legislators scrutinised outstanding debts owed to Government by former and current officials. The session between the two parties was on Friday, May 29, 2026 in the House of Assembly.
According to audit findings presented during the session, the E179 000 advance had not been recovered and records failed to indicate the employee’s identification or employment number, making it difficult to establish accountability.
Retired officer promises repayment
Responding to the concerns, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Principal Secretary (PS) Sizwe Ntshangase explained that the advance had been issued to an officer serving at the Washington, D.C. mission for the purchase of a vehicle.
The PS told the committee that the officer had since retired from Government service but had recently been engaged regarding the outstanding debt. According to Ntshangase, the former employee had committed to begin repaying the amount from October 2026.
“The officer has been engaged and has undertaken to start making repayments from October 2026,” the PS said.
PAC Chairperson Madala Mhlanga acknowledged the commitment, saying the committee was pleased that the former officer had formally undertaken to settle the debt. He noted that the commitment letter would serve as evidence should further action become necessary.
PAC questions lengthy delay
However, PAC Deputy Chairperson Manzi Vincent Zwane expressed dissatisfaction with the explanation, questioning why repayments would only commence now when the matter dates back nearly two decades.
“This matter happened about 20 years ago. I do not understand why repayment is only expected to begin in October 2026 and why the Ministry allowed this situation to continue for so long,” Zwane said.
He argued that Government should have acted much earlier to recover public funds rather than waiting until after the employee’s retirement.
The committee also questioned whether proper procedures had been followed when the advance was initially granted and whether adequate controls existed to prevent similar cases.
Other debts involving diplomats emerge
Mhlanga further revealed that the committee was also dealing with other cases involving diplomats and former officials who allegedly owe Government substantial amounts of money.
Among the cases highlighted were former ambassadors reportedly owing Government approximately E500 000, as well as several other outstanding debts linked to foreign missions.
The revelations formed part of broader concerns regarding accountability and debt recovery within Government institutions.
Treasury’s role under scrutiny
In his response, Ntshangase explained that responsibility for recovering such advances partly rested with the Treasury Department, which is responsible for processing salary deductions and related recoveries.
He indicated that the Ministry would continue working closely with Treasury to investigate the matter and determine what may have gone wrong.
The PS also requested an opportunity to further investigate similar cases involving outstanding balances and report back with detailed findings.
Deputy Auditor General Samkele Motsa advised that Government departments should ensure all advances and liabilities are verified and settled before employees retire from service.
He stressed that proper checks should be conducted before retirement to ensure officials do not leave Government employment while still owing public funds.
The PAC is expected to continue monitoring the matter as efforts to recover outstanding debts and strengthen accountability mechanisms within foreign missions continue.
(Courtesy Pic)
