BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
LOBAMBA– Sebenta National Institute has unveiled a new strategy aimed at improving its financial position, increasing revenue streams and expanding learning opportunities for emaSwati as it seeks to reverse a series of annual deficits.
This was revealed by Sebenta Chief Executive Officer Thembinkhosi Mamba during a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) sitting with Ministry of Education and Training parastatals June 27,2026, chaired by Deputy Speaker Madala Mhlanga.
Presenting the audit report for the financial year ended March 31, 2024, Auditor General Timothy Matsebula raised concerns over the institution’s financial performance, noting that net deficits had increased from E432 373 in 2023 to E643 115 in 2024 and further to E743 729 in 2025.
Timothy Matsebula explained that the deficits meant the institution was spending more money than it generated. He noted that expenditure stood at E12.1 million against income of E11.4 million, which included a government subvention of E6.3 million. This, he said, indicated that internally generated revenue was below E5 million.
The Auditor General further highlighted that personnel costs had increased from E3.8 million to E5.4 million during the 2024 financial year, contributing significantly to the institution’s expenditure. He advised Sebenta to implement cost-reduction measures and strengthen revenue-generation strategies to ensure long-term sustainability.
Responding to the concerns, Sebenta Chief Executive Officer Thembinkhosi Mamba attributed part of the institution’s financial difficulties to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in government subvention being reduced by nearly E4 million from projected levels.
Mamba said the institution had since developed a Strategic Plan for 2025-2027, which includes a financial management results framework and programme performance framework aimed at improving efficiency and accountability.
He said Sebenta was also pursuing partnerships to supplement government funding, growing its asset base and introducing short courses that would generate additional income while equipping emaSwati with practical skills.
PAC Vice Chairperson Manzi Zwane sought assurance that the measures being introduced would deliver the desired turnaround and benefit the nation.
The CEO expressed confidence that the new initiatives would strengthen the institution’s financial position and support its mandate of providing education and skills development opportunities across the country.
PAC warned that continued deficits pose a risk to the institution’s financial stability, urging strict cost control and improved revenue generation.
However, Sebenta management maintains that the newly introduced strategic plan, coupled with partnerships and income-generating short courses, will reposition the institution on a more sustainable path and strengthen its ability to deliver education and skills development services to emaSwati.
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(Courtesy Pic)
