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By SIBUSISO DLAMINI | 2024-12-16
A forensic audit into the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP) is set to begin shortly, following the completion of the tender process for the firm that will carry out the investigation.
The tender was finalised last Wednesday, paving the way for the audit to proceed.
Minister of Information, Communications and Technology, Savannah Maziya, revealed this during her keynote address at the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) Digitisation Roadmap Symposium this past week.
The minister shared that the process, which began in February, only reached completion last week, after a lengthy ten-month period.
Though the minister refrained from naming RSTP as the entity to be audited, inside sources within the ministry have revealed that it is indeed, the RSTP.
Principal Secretary Phesheya Dube, who was also present at the event, confirmed that the entity was indeed the RSTP, but directed all further inquiries regarding the details of the audit to the Auditor General Timothy Matsebula’s office, citing that the scope of the investigation was a matter under their jurisdiction.
In her address, the minister decried that the process had been protracted for months and recently completed after ten months, stating that it was proof of how digitisation should be used to alleviate inefficiencies in government operations.
The minister was recently questioned about auditing the institution in Parliament by Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and Deputy Speaker, Madala Mhlanga.
The Mhlangatane Member of Parliament told the minister that lawmakers would be compelled to instruct the ministry to initiate a forensic audit of the RSTP to verify the accuracy of the allegations circulating about financial mismanagement within the institution if the ministry did not facilitate an audit itself.
He raised concerns that issues reported in the media were rarely reflected in the performance reports submitted to Parliament, raising concerns over transparency.
Mhlanga further criticised the RSTP for failing to generate revenue for the country, urging the minister to ensure that the RSTP realises its full potential.
When appointing the new RSTP board earlier this year, Minister Maziya voiced significant concerns about the RSTP performance, underscoring its failure to meet its financial potential and attract investors, shining light on how the institution has not generated the expected revenue, nor fulfilled its mandate to drive economic growth despite being a key institution.
In light of these concerns, she urged the new Board of Directors chaired by Tshidi Masisi-Hlanze, to lead the institution with integrity and efficiency.
Consisting of nine members—five women and four men—the board is set to serve a three year-term.
In July 31, former CEO Vumile Dlamini’s contract expired and has not been renewed since, a matter which remains a topic of active discussion by the King’s advisory council, Liqoqo, which is reportedly, assessing the broader circumstances surrounding the leadership transition.
A month later, Dr Andile Metfula was appointed as acting CEO. In the five months since taking up the role, Dr Metfula, who reportedly received death threats upon assuming office, has already implemented a range of significant changes within the organisation.
On his first day at work, he reassigned finance manager Ntsetselelo Msibi to the position of Senior Accountant at the Professional Innovation Skills Academy (PISA).
The reshuffle extended to other senior staff members, including Marketing Manager Brenda Mutembei, who now serves as a lecturer at PISA, and Legal Advisor Nompumelelo Ndlela, who was appointed Manager of Organisational Policy.
Zeenith Carmichael, who previously was the executive personal assistant, now serves as Personal Assistant to the Head of the Business Incubator, Nontsikelelo Nkambule.
Nkambule was appointed Finance Officer in the Business Incubation unit and Nqobile Dlamini was transferred to Nokwane, where she now holds the position of Finance Officer, having previously worked at Phocweni.
Two weeks ago, the institution appointed Nomvula Shongwe-Gulwako as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and further announced the appointment of an acting Director of Business Enablement (Dr Vusi Tsabedze) and an Acting Director of Innovation (Simphiwe Ntenteza.)
Even though Dr Metfula has defended the restructuring as an essential step to align the RSTP with its strategic goals, insiders have noted growing unease among staff, with many questioning the timing and rationale behind the realignments.
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