BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) Chief Executive Officer Khangeziwe Mabuza has called for a relationship grounded in genuine respect and trust between the Fund and the media, describing openness and integrity as essential to the institution’s renewal journey. She was speaking during a meeting with local editors held at the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund offices, where she reflected on her appointment, her early days in office, and the fresh energy shaping the Fund’s future.
“If I can coin it for you, as media, it’s respect. And the respect has to be true. I bring nothing much except to continue giving back to my King and country, and I thank Government for having found it fit to consider my name,” Mabuza said.
Mabuza was appointed as MVA Chief Executive Officer on 4 December 2025 on a 12-month term. She brings with her extensive public service experience, having previously served as Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, where she played a key role in policy coordination and institutional leadership.
Although she never imagined herself in the role, Mabuza said the opportunity has reignited her passion for public service and leadership.
“I wake up every morning really looking forward to coming to work. I’m in a space where ideas are welcomed, debated and put to the test. It’s a fresh and interesting start,” she said.
Nearly two months into office, Mabuza noted that the Fund is already making steady progress towards repositioning itself for long-term relevance and impact. She revealed that the organisation is finalising a revised strategy, with sustainability identified as a central pillar.
“The fund has a lot of opportunities. We need to think outside the box, follow international trends and accept that the world has moved many steps ahead. Change is not easy, but we really have to run to catch up,” she said.
She further assured editors that processes are underway to stabilise the institution’s leadership structure, stressing that a settled management team is essential for performance, accountability and institutional confidence.
Corporate Executive Sam Mzileni commended Government for appointing a seasoned professional and highlighted the positive shift already evident within the organisation.
“She’s like a bullet train. She challenges us to think differently and question things from a good space. One strong message she has brought is ‘claimants first’ in everything we do,” Mzileni said.
Mzileni added that staff have embraced the new leadership approach, citing improved engagement, exposure to potential partners and a growing emphasis on sustainability. He referenced initiatives such as the introduction of indigenous trees at Fund facilities as part of efforts to manage the institution’s environmental footprint responsibly.
From a legal and policy perspective, Head of Legal Senzokuhle Masuku outlined ongoing reforms aimed at aligning the Fund with modern realities, including technological changes in the motor industry and constitutional protections for vulnerable groups.
“Our founding legislation predates the Constitution. We needed to review it to accommodate the rights of widows, people living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. Most judgments so far promote the mandate of the Fund,” Masuku said.
Masuku added that rising road accidents and escalating medical costs make legislative reform unavoidable, emphasising that the objective is to ensure meaningful, dignified and responsive outcomes for claimants requiring long-term care.
The engagement concluded on an optimistic note, with MVA leadership reaffirming its commitment to continued dialogue with the media, transparent communication and building a sustainable, responsive institution that places people at the centre of its mandate.
