By SIBUSISO DLAMINI | 2025-03-10

Outspoken businessman and former senator Walter Bennett has raised serious concerns over the financial transparency of The Luke Commission (TLC), questioning the credibility of its audits and the justification for public funding.

Bennett argues that while the public has been assured that TLC undergoes rigorous audits, critical details within these financial reports raise more questions than they answer.

Speaking in an interview, Bennett pointed out that the financial audits for TLC are conducted by Capin Crouse, an American accounting firm based in Indiana, Massachusetts.

He expressed concern that the reports are prepared in US dollars rather than Emalangeni, making it difficult to track local financial activities effectively.

According to Bennett, this raises accountability issues, as funds allocated to the institution are not clearly accounted for in local currency, making it harder to assess the true financial standing of TLC in Eswatini.

A particularly troubling issue, Bennett revealed, is that the audit covers two separate entities—The Luke Commission and The Luke Commission Eswatini—yet this has never been publicly disclosed.

He questioned whether public funds meant for the institution were being managed separately or merged with the foreign entity’s accounts, potentially compromising transparency.

“Where are the public funds actually going? If we are funding a local humanitarian organisation, we need to know if the money remains in Eswatini or is transferred elsewhere,” Bennett argued.

Another point of contention raised by Bennett is the significant value of TLC’s assets.
According to the financial statements, the institution holds assets worth millions of Emalangeni, yet it continues to seek public funding.

He questioned why an organisation that claims to be struggling does not liquidate some of these assets to sustain its operations rather than relying on government resources.

“For a humanitarian organisation that is always presented as being in need, why do they not sell some of their assets? Why should taxpayers shoulder the financial burden when the institution itself has valuable resources?” Bennett asked.

He further raised concerns over the lack of transparency regarding these assets, stating that the financial statements merely attach values to them without specifying their locations.

“How are we to ensure accountability when we cannot even verify where these assets are?” he questioned.

Bennett also directed criticism at members of parliament (MPs) who have been campaigning for government to release funds to TLC. He challenged them to examine the financials thoroughly before advocating for public financial support.

“Did the MPs pushing for this funding actually see the financials? Are they convinced that these reports justify allocating scarce public funds to TLC? Charity begins at home—why should we prioritise a private institution over improving our own struggling hospitals?” he said.

He argued that given the current economic challenges, including struggling universities and underfunded public schools, it is impractical for government to divert funds to a private humanitarian organisation when pressing national needs remain unresolved.

Bennett further pointed out that TLC has suffered a major financial blow following the loss of US government aid, which previously funded the organisation to the tune of millions of Emalangeni.
He argued that this development highlights the institution’s financial instability and raises concerns over its long-term sustainability.

“With US aid funding drying up, it is clear that TLC is not financially sustainable. Why, then, should our government step in to fund it when our own institutions are struggling?” he asked.
He also highlighted the delays in TLC’s financial submissions, noting that these reports are often submitted late—sometimes more than six months after the financial period ends.

“If everything is above board, why are the audits not presented on time? Delays in financial reporting are a major red flag in any organisation, let alone one that receives public and donor funds,” he emphasised.

Bennett concluded by urging the government to prioritise national institutions over private humanitarian organisations, particularly in light of the country’s ongoing economic difficulties.
He reiterated that while humanitarian efforts are important, they should not come at the expense of the country’s public health system, education sector and other pressing national priorities.

“Government is clearly struggling for funds. Why would MPs want to direct resources to TLC when universities are struggling and schools lack essential resources? We need to take care of our own first before considering funding a foreign-backed organisation,” he said.

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