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MINISTRY NEEDS ADDITIONAL E12M TO COMPLETE SOMHLOLO

By Nomalungelo Phiri | 2025-03-06

Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima has confirmed that the ministry was allocated E20 million from the E32 million initially requested for the rehabilitation of Somhlolo National Stadium.
Despite the shortfall, Minister Nzima acknowledged that the rehabilitation process was ongoing and had faced significant delays. During the recent sports portfolio committee debate, Minister Nzima stated, “We had requested E32 million but we only received E20 million,” highlighting the financial constraints impacting the rehabilitation efforts.
He is expected to address additional concerns regarding the stadium's rehabilitation in a report to be tabled next Wednesday.
The delay in completing the stadium has frustrated many Members of Parliament, who expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of progress.
Nhlambeni MP Manzi Zwane voiced out his concerns, noting that the national stadium had been under continuous rehabilitation since he joined Parliament.
He remarked, “Let this E20 million be the last money spent on this project; government is losing a lot of money with no visible progress.
“This feels more like cash power, with substantial funds being consumed.” Zwane urged the minister to assure Emaswati that the allocated funds would comprehensively cover the completion of the stadium’s works.
Ngudzeni MP Charles Ndlovu also raised questions about the direction of the rehabilitation efforts.
He enquired, “Are we on the right track with fixing the stadium?” and expressed concerns about accountability if the Confederation of African Football (CAF) continues to disapprove Somhlolo after significant investment in its rehabilitation.

Ndlovu suggested exploring alternative solutions, questioning why government could not consider building a new stadium altogether, similar to large international companies that construct stadiums and then hand them over to government after a specified period.
On another note, MP Ndlovu praised the establishment of technical centres at Mkhuzweni and Ka-Langa, but pointed out the need for additional sporting infrastructure in the Shiselweni region, where there is currently only one stadium, the King Sobhuza II Memorial in Nhlangano. He decried the lack of stadium facilities at Ngudzeni and Somtongo constituencies, stating, “We travel a long distance to watch games in Nhlangano and spend a lot of money.” Ndlovu advocated for the construction of new stadiums in these areas to enhance accessibility for local sports enthusiasts.
The ongoing discussions surrounding the rehabilitation of Somhlolo National Stadium underscore the urgent need for effective management and accountability in the use of public funds.

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