Swazi Observer

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PM HIGHLIGHTS 21 ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2024

By Nokuzola Thwala | 2024-12-29

Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has highlighted 21 achievements made by the current administration in its first year in office.

Among the achievements made by government, he said, was the formulation of new government strategies, enactment of legislation and successes in economic objectives, which include the reduction of arrears owed to local government suppliers.

The PM also highlighted achievements in the education and health sectors, such as the appointment of a task team to investigate the issues faced by the University of Eswatini (UNESWA).

He further noted the strides made in the fight against gender based violence (GBV) through the formulation of a GBV action plan.

According to the PM, government also created new jobs while also empowering the youth.
Dlamini also highlighted the strides made in the fight against corruption, which includes setting up the Anti-Corruption Task team as well as capacitating of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

This was during the prime minister’s presentation of the government’s performance report for the year 2024.

The PM noted that during Sibaya (People’s Parliament), Emaswati voiced out their concerns and made their contributions on what government should focus on to develop the country.

Dlamini said during the opening of the 12th Parliament, His Majesty King Mswati III commanded Parliament and the nation at large to move with accelerated speed (nkwe) in implementing the vision for Eswatini to become a developed country.

Programme
The premier said in pursuit of His Majesty’s vision and Sibaya submissions, government had captured and delivered such aspirations in a policy statement and programme of action.

“It is, therefore, imperative for all Emaswati to rally behind this programme of action as it directly addresses the issues raised at Sibaya,” said Dlamini.

He recalled that His Majesty also charged government to implement the Sibaya submissions with excellence, patriotism and a new impetus. He said while the programme of action intended to stimulate economic growth and achieve sustainable development, it also sought to address prevalent problems namely unemployment, GBV, and poverty, amongst others.

Adding, Dlamini said it was heart-warming to see the private sector responding positively to the call to be part of the grand plan efforts by making mega investments that would have a transformative impact to the economy of the country.

He said it was equally encouraging to see parastatals aligning themselves with the spirit of the grand plan to make major investments, adding further to the nkwe impetus.

He further stated that through an extensive consultation process, government developed a programme of action and initiated its implementation.

Confident
He said government was confident that the administration’s policy and programme of action shall yield national transformation in line with the people’s aspirations raised at Sibaya.

Dlamini also said the development of the grand plan, which was a long-term comprehensive national transformation plan, had been initiated and was due for completion in 2025.

He assured that government would not relent to implement the administration’s policy and medium term programme of action which was focused on the transformation of the national economy, achieve mindset change of the people, achieve public sector efficiency and improve service delivery across all sectors and firmly place the country on the path toward first world status.

The premier further expressed government’s appreciation for the support received from all Emaswati, the private sector and international community.

He also urged all stakeholders to rally behind government and work hard to achieve the people’s aspirations, improve their well-being and maintain Eswatini as the most peaceful and stable country in the region.

“In providing this update, we also comply with the Directive Principles of State Policy as enshrined in the Constitution of the Kingdom of Eswatini,’’ he added.

Improved govt, PSA relations welcomed

The PM said government recognised and was pleased with the good relations and notable improvement in the relations with Public Sector Associations (PSAs) namely the Eswatini Association of Nurses (SNAS), Eswatini National Association of Teachers (SNAT), the National Public Services and Allied Workers Union (NAPSAWU) and the Eswatini National Association of Government Accounting Personnel (SNAGAP).

He noted that the good employee and employer relations in the public sector are crucial for improved service delivery hence government was committed to continuously strengthen these relations.

Recognising the importance of its employees, he said government awarded a one per cent once off sweetener to civil servants.

Additionally, the PM said government’s policy and programme of action acknowledges that to improve service delivery, an empowered and motivated public service is key.He said it was also paramount to invest in inculcating a culture of excellence and high-performance culture in the civil service.

To improve the performance of the public service and service delivery, he said government launched and piloted the performance management system, a system which he said would continuously be monitored, evaluated improved for optimisation of its function and success.

‘‘The government appreciates the service of security forces and the entire public service. A salary review exercise was commissioned for the entire public service.

During this exercise, the contentious Phase II was thoroughly interrogated and will be addressed at the conclusion of the exercise.

The salary review exercise is on course and due for completion in 2025 in line with the terms of reference,” he stated.

3 000 new jobs created in 2024

The PM has revealed that government has created about 3 000 new jobs this year with at least 2 095 new jobs from new and expansion investments.

Through the Eswatini Water Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE), he said at least 800 direct jobs were created.

He further noted that two community factory shells were completed at Hlathikhulu and Gamula, whilst two were still under construction at Ndzevane and Nhlangano.

He also stated that government established the Citizens Economic Empowerment Council to operationalise the Citizens Economic Empowerment Act (2023).

Government’s Policy and Programme of Action highlights food sovereignty as one of the key strategic thrusts, he said hence the ministry of agriculture developed a strategy and plan of action to attain food sovereignty.

He also said an Agricultural Investment Forum was successfully hosted, which sought to mobilise resources for implementing the Eswatini National Agricultural Investment Plan.

“Government constructed fisheries and aquaculture research and production centre in Malkerns. At least 16 small and medium dams worth about E285 million (14.5m Euros) with downstream development for irrigation schemes and water harvesting were completed and launched.

These schemes benefit a total of 681 households.
“As part of the impetus to attain food sovereignty, input support was extended to smallholder farmers for grain production.

In addition, the Horticulture Revolving Fund was extended to include grains to improve the production of maize and beans. An increase in production and total yield was observed as a result of government support,” further stated the Premier.

Govt to use infrastructure development for economic growth

The PM also noted that governments’ policy is to stimulate economic growth through investment in infrastructure and public sector development.

He said government made meaningful investments in the country’s infrastructure.
One of the highlights was the completion of the 43km Nhlangano-Sicunusa road (MR13), launched by His Majesty King Mswati III.

Dlamini noted that several roads were upgraded from gravel to bituminous standard as well as constructed several river crossings and low-level bridges.

He also mentioned that four tinkhundla centres that needed reconstruction were completed.

Centres

These are Kwaluseni, Lamgabhi, Ndzingeni and Sandleni Tinkhundla Centres.
He further acknowledged the delay in completion of certain infrastructure projects and measures that were put in place to rectify this.

He also noted that a UNESWA Resource Centre for the disabled was established and commissioned by His Majesty King Mswati III.

“The centre enhances digital inclusion of Persons with Disabilities.
The Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP) graduated seven new companies from their incubation centre.

Over 40 tinkhundla centres were installed with free internet access.
A project to make Mbabane City a smart city is currently being implemented in conjunction with the Embassy of Taiwan and is due for completion in early 2025,” he added.

Govt increased scholarships to 4 550 awards

Dlamini added that under the education sector, government increased scholarship grants from 3 550 to 4 550 awards a year, making an addition of 1 000 scholarships.

To demonstrate government’s commitment to education, he said this has increased the total number of the population benefitting on scholarships, which rose from 13 932 to 14 435, enabling a greater number of Emaswati to access quality higher education.

In response to the concerns raised during the Sibaya submissions in relation to the quality of education, he said government set up two task teams to revitalise UNESWA and also improve the quality of education in the country.

He also said the ministry of education and training was tasked with developing a national curriculum to promote patriotism and inculcate a culture of excellence.

He said the task teams completed their reports for Cabinet consideration and implementation. He added that the curriculum has been developed and was ready for consideration by Cabinet.

“Etjendlovu High School was expanded to include vocational subjects such as design and technology, a computer laboratory and introduction of agriculture as a subject.
The school was officially launched by His Majesty the King,” Dlamini said.

PM applauds successful national events

In addition, the PM also praised the country’s success in hosting national events.
He said the country through the ministry of home affairs, successfully hosted national events, which included the Buganu Festival, Umhlanga Reed Dance ceremony and the Incwala ceremony.

He said these national events, apart from being the way of life, contributed significantly to national cohesion, promoting cultural heritage and attracting tourists into the country.

The process of ensuring that all Emaswati had access to national identification documents was intensified through the mopping exercise which brought government services to communities.

Submissions
Adding, he said one of the key submissions during the Sibaya People’s Parliament was the urgent need to improve service delivery.

Recognising this need, he said government initiated the process of developing new legislation on decentralisation.

Consultations with communities and key stakeholders were done and the draft of the decentralisation legislation was being finalised for submission to Cabinet.

“This process is being led by the ministry of tinkhundla administration and development and is being supported by the ministry of housing and urban development,” he said.

E42m disbursed under RDF projects

Over E42 million was disbursed under the Regional Development Fund (RDF) with 84 projects being funded.

This was revealed by the PM, who said at least 14 of those are Income Generating Projects (IGP) and 71 are infrastructure projects.

He said the completed projects benefitted 10 348 Emaswati directly and created 557 jobs.
Adding, he said government’s effort to address youth unemployment is demonstrated through the continued prioritisation of youth empowerment and support.

He said a national youth empowerment programme was developed, and through the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund, 62 loans amounting to E2 789 164 were approved while some applications were still outstanding.

He further noted that 90 graduates from technical and vocational training institutions were supported with start-up tool kits to start and/or grow their enterprises, and four regional art centres and offices were established.

Govt approves E2.4bn for infrastructure

Government has approved a programme worth E2.4 billion for infrastructure development and institutional housing to stimulate the economy.

This was revealed by the PM. He said the amount was also approved by the African Development Bank for financing.

He said government’s policy seeks to direct investment to areas that will stimulate exponential economic growth, and it cannot be overemphasised that the growth of the economy must outpace the growth of social ills, especially unemployment and poverty in order for the country to experience measurable development.

He said investment in infrastructure is key to stimulate economic growth. He said government has, therefore, charged the ministry of finance to expedite the development of a national borrowing plan to direct resources to optimal investment.

“Government has, through the ministry of finance, initiated a comprehensive review of the procurement system before digitisation to eliminate dominant bottlenecks and ensure cost effectiveness as well as efficient service delivery.

‘‘It is clear to government that efficient service delivery cannot be achieved with the current limitations of the Procurement Act of 2011 and institutional arrangements,” he added.

Debt to local suppliers reduced to E700m

Further, Dlamini noted that debt to local suppliers has been reduced from E2.8 billion to about E700 million.

He said this indicated that 75 per cent of pending arrears were cleared within the year for suppliers. He said government debt to local companies has an adverse effect to the economy, hence the intent on reducing debt to local companies,

Dlamini also said the Stabilisation Fund was capitalised by an amount of E2 billion, which he said will contribute significantly to stabilising the fiscus.

In addition, he said government will strive to promote practices to ensure that the country’s expenditure is sustainable.

Noting, he said the country was upgraded in the Moody’s rating from a junk status to an investment grade listing, making it a favourable investment target and reducing the cost of borrowing. This upgrading will ensure that the country’s benefit from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) listing is optimised.

He also noted that government has started implementation of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and an Asset Management System aimed at improving financial reporting and cash management.

“In addition, government has also started implementing the integrated finance management and information system (IFMIS). Government is exploring modalities for participation by citizens in formulating the national budget,” added the PM.

ACC cases under
investigation shoot up to 285

The premier has further revealed that the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) was investigating 285 cases, with 37 of them already under the court system.

He said corruption is one of the major issues that was raised at Sibaya and His Majesty further charged government to bring to book all the corrupt, with particular emphasis on the ‘big fish’ (bobhabuli). Dlamini said corruption makes it difficult for the state to function.

In response to this directive from the Throne and Sibaya, government has established the Anti Corruption Task Team, comprising the Police, the Anti Corruption Commission and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, to support the fight against corruption.

To further support the team, he said the ACC will be reinforced with 10 police officers, who will be earmarked for deployment to the ACC to assist in the investigation and ultimate prosecution of the corrupt.

He said they have also requested for technical assistance from the international community to strengthen investigation and prosecution capacity of the country’s anti corruption institutions.
Dlamini said government remains tenacious to eliminate this scourge that is throttling the economy.

“Government intensified the fight against corruption with 285 cases being investigated by the Anti-Corruption Commission and several warrants of arrests issued and six arrests were made. 37 of the corruption cases are being processed within the court system.

“The reinforcement will also ensure that thorough investigations are made so that innocent people are not arrested without evidence, and those that are accused of corruption without evidence are cleared. Some people have actually been arrested, released later when there is no evidence,” he said.

Tolerance, democratic principles promote peace - PM

The premier added that government and democratic principles promote peace, hence the peaceful year that the country has experienced.

Thanking God, he said government would continue to promote tolerance and democratic principles enshrined in the country’s Constitution.

He further noted that government has developed strategies for each of the ministries to implement the plan of action and all government ministries were aware of their roles in implementing the programme.

As part of the main functions of Cabinet, eight bills were considered and are now ready for Parliamentary consideration, and several regulations and policies were approved.

Notwithstanding such progress. Dlamini said government has charged ministries to initiate a review process for all outdated pieces of legislation and regulations

Further, he noted that government is part of the international community hence the country recognises and values the importance of continuous engagement with existing and prospective diplomatic and development partners.

He said government had fruitful engagements with several groups of the international community wherein updates and government’s position on areas of development cooperation, human rights and governance were provided.

A report on alleged human rights violations was presented during the political dialogue with embassies of countries under the European Union wherein issues of the murdered Chief, state security officers and Human Rights lawyer Thulani Maseko were also discussed.

Dlamini also said government seized available opportunities in international forums to promote the Tinkhundla system of governance, and will continue to engage on proper understanding of home-grown system of governance.

“We value the mutual support that emanates from such relations. In the current year, government established diplomatic relations with Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Saudi Arabia, and with the guidance of His Majesty the King, Government signed Joint Cooperation Agreements and several Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and with a number of countries, including Uganda, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Serbia, Indonesia, Rwanda, Türkiye and others.

‘‘Government is pleased to have successfully negotiated for the removal of special paragraphs on Eswatini at the SADC Troika agenda and the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

Government will continue to re- evaluate the value and benefit of the country’s membership in international organisations that we subscribe to,” added the PM.

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