BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
LOBAMBA – The Ministry of Health has acknowledged that prolonged acting appointments are placing an additional burden on employees, with Principal Secretary Khanyakwezwe Mabuza saying the matter requires urgent introspection.
PS made the remarks during a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) sitting held on July 13, 2026, chaired by Deputy Speaker Madala Mhlanga, where members examined the Auditor General Timothy Matsebula’s Funduzi Report covering issues related to recalled medicines, the Rural Health Motivator (RHM) programme and Good Shepherd Hospital.
During the sitting, PAC Chairperson Madala Mhlanga raised concerns over the continued existence of acting positions within the Ministry of Health, questioning why several key posts had not been permanently filled.
He said having many employees serving in acting capacities could affect efficiency and stability within the ministry’s administration.
Responding to the concern, Mabuza, who is the ministry’s controlling officer, agreed that the matter was a major concern. He explained that employees appointed in acting positions often have to perform duties of their substantive posts while also carrying the responsibilities of the higher positions they temporarily occupy.
“It is a major concern and a burden to employees because while acting in a new position, you also execute the duties of your old position. This issue must be introspected,” said Mabuza.
The discussion highlighted challenges surrounding leadership stability within the ministry and its health-related entities, where some strategic positions are either occupied in an acting capacity or remain vacant.
Within the Ministry of Health’s central administration, Sifiso Mamba is serving as Acting Principal Planning Officer, while some senior positions, including Senior Health Administrator and Senior Dental Officer, remain vacant.
At parastatal level, Eswatini Medical Aid Fund (EswatiniMed) is currently led by Acting Principal Officer Sicelo Mkhonta following the retirement of former Principal Officer Peter Simelane.
Meanwhile, the Eswatini Medical Supplies Agency (EMSA), which transitioned from the former Central Medical Stores into an autonomous public enterprise following the enactment of the Eswatini Medical Supplies Agency Act, 2026, is also undergoing an executive transition process.
Mabuza’s response comes as Parliament continues strengthening oversight over public institutions, with PAC using the Auditor General’s reports to promote accountability, good governance and improved service delivery within the health sector.
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