By Mbono Mdluli
MBABANE – Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, has revealed that parents should only be paying between E4 000 and E6 000 annually for public school fees.
Speaking at the official launch of Children’s Month on May 6, 2025, at the United Nations (UN) House in Mbabane, Nxumalo shared findings from a recent study conducted by the ministry’s experts. The event was also graced by Acting Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, who temporarily stepped away from a Local Government Conference in Matsapha to attend the occasion.
According to Nxumalo, the study revealed that the actual cost required for public schooling falls within the E4 000 to E6 000 range, far less than the amounts being charged by some institutions. He raised concern that while government continues to make substantial investments in education, the expected improvements in outcomes remain limited.
“Eswatini is among the top spenders on education in the region,” Nxumalo said, citing a UNICEF report. “Yet, the return on investment in terms of educational performance is not as strong as in other countries.”
The minister’s remarks came in response to a panel discussion focused on improving the lives of children both at school and at home. Panelists highlighted the importance of streamlining child-focused budgeting and implementing clear policies for better service delivery.
Nxumalo noted that in some cases, public schools were charging as much as E18 000 per year without providing adequate justification for the high fees. “There needs to be greater transparency. When I visited Manzini Central High School to understand their fee structure, I did not receive a clear answer,” he said.
Echoing the minister’s sentiments, Acting Prime Minister Dladla emphasized the need for government to establish clear guidelines on public school fees. “Charging E18 000 for public education is unreasonable. If fees are that high, parents may as well consider private schooling,” she said.
Both leaders called for continued dialogue and policy reforms to ensure public education remains affordable and accessible to all emaSwati.
(Pics: DPMO)
