By Mbono Mdluli
Mbabane – The Minister of Education and Training has urged head teachers to cooperate in submitting the lists of orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) requiring government support for school fees. These fees are paid through the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office (DPMO).
The minister emphasized that timely submission would enable the government to allocate resources effectively, ensuring that payments are made without delays. This efficiency, in turn, would allow schools to execute their programs and projects on schedule.
Expressing concern, the minister revealed that only 53 schools had submitted their lists, representing a compliance rate of just 8%. This low rate could lead to the government covering fees for students from only those schools, potentially creating a perception of inefficiency within the administration.
Additionally, the minister noted that many of the submitted lists contained significant errors, requiring extensive time to rectify. He called on schools to submit accurate lists before the reopening of schools on January 28, 2025, marking the start of the academic year.
Highlighting the urgency of the matter, the minister expressed frustration over the delays, pointing out that he had previously addressed the issue. He suggested that it would be beneficial for all concerned if fees were settled before schools reopened. To emphasize accountability, the minister warned that he might publicly identify head teachers who fail to comply with the deadline.
