By Sithembile Hlatshwayo | 2025-03-17

Despite the positive strides being made, various challenges persist in Eswatini’s public procurement landscape.
Many citizens remain unaware of their rights related to public procurement, which limits their ability to advocate for change.

Additionally, bureaucratic inefficiencies and corruption continue to pose significant barriers to transparency and fairness.
Recent reports from national news indicate that issues surrounding tender irregularities and favouritism have marred public confidence in procurement processes.

Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from procuring entities, civil society, and consumers themselves.
The Eswatini Public Procurement Regulatory Agency (ESPPRA) is committed to continuing capacity-building and training programmes to create awareness and educate citizens on their rights in public procurement, equipping them with the tools to engage effectively.

On this International Consumer Rights Day (March 15), it is not just the responsibility of governments and institutions to uphold consumer rights, but also that of citizens to be informed and active participants in procurement processes.
Consumers play a crucial role in ensuring that public procurement regulations are effective. Every year on March 15, when International Consumer Rights Day is commemorated, countries around the globe observe this day as a moment to reflect on the importance of protecting consumer rights and promoting fair trade practices.

In Eswatini, this year’s celebration carries significant weight, as it coincides with the growing emphasis on enhancing transparency and accountability within public procurement processes.
ESPPRA plays a crucial role in this World Consumer Rights Day landscape, ensuring that citizens receive value for money and that public works, goods, and services are delivered efficiently.

Consumer Rights Day serves as a reminder of the fundamental rights that every consumer should enjoy. Established by the Consumers International organisation in 1983, the day emphasises the right to safety, the right to be informed, the right to choose and the right to be heard.
These principles resonate deeply within the public procurement sector, where transparency, accountability, and fairness are paramount.

In Eswatini, where public procurement represents a significant portion of government expenditure, empowering consumers—essentially the citizens who benefit from these services—becomes imperative. This year’s theme, “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles,” highlights the vital connection between consumer rights and public spending. The Eswatini Observer engaged with ESPPRA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Vusi Matsebula on the procurement landscape in Eswatini and consumer rights, and he had the following to say:
ESPPRA: Championing Fair Procurement Practices
According to Matsebula, ESPPRA was established to regulate public procurement processes in the country.
Its mission encompasses ensuring fair competition, transparency, accountability, and ethical behaviour in the procurement of goods and services. By fostering a level playing field, ESPPRA aims to protect the interests of consumers by ensuring that public funds are used judiciously.

The ESPPRA CEO stated, “Our role is pivotal in safeguarding the rights of consumers. When public procurement processes are conducted transparently, it builds trust among citizens and ensures that they receive quality services.” He emphasised that consumer rights are not only about individual interests but are intricately linked to the development of the nation's economy and its social fabric.

Empowering Consumers: The Role of Public Participation
During International Consumer Rights Day, Matsebula said it is essential to recognise that it is not solely the responsibility of governments and institutions to uphold consumer rights; citizens must also be informed and active participants in procurement processes.

Here are some key expectations from consumers to help safeguard their rights:
• Awareness and Education: Consumers must educate themselves about the public procurement processes in the country. Understanding how public procurement works and where to find information empowers consumers to hold their governments accountable.
• Engagement and Feedback: Actively participating in public consultations and providing feedback on government contracts and services can influence procurement decisions. Citizens should voice their concerns regarding the quality of services rendered and advocate for compliance with established regulations.
• Demanding Transparency: Consumers should insist on transparency in procurement processes. This includes advocating for accessible information regarding bids, contracts, and performance evaluations of suppliers. Transparency fosters trust and accountability.
• Utilising Consumer Advocacy Groups: Joining or supporting consumer advocacy organisations can amplify individual voices. These groups often have the expertise and resources to challenge unethical practices and push for policy changes that benefit consumers. In Eswatini, the Eswatini Consumer Association and the Eswatini Consumer Forum are vital resources from which consumers should demand transparency and accountability.

ESPPRA's Initiatives for Consumer Education
To coincide with Consumer Rights Day, ESPPRA has launched several initiatives aimed at educating the public about their rights and the importance of active participation in procurement processes:
• Online Resources: ESPPRA has a website and social media pages that provide resources and information regarding public procurement guidelines. These resources aim to reach a wider audience, especially the youth and those in rural areas.
• Training Workshops: ESPPRA is conducting workshops focused on educating public officials, suppliers, and consumers about ethical procurement practices, ultimately aiming to establish a culture of integrity in public spending.

Looking Ahead: The Role of Consumers in Future Procurement Practices
As Eswatini moves towards more robust governance systems and accountability frameworks, Matsebula said the role of consumers in public procurement will become increasingly significant.

He said empowering citizens to demand transparency and accountability will lead to better resource management and improved public services.
Furthermore, Matsebula encouraged consumers not only to be vigilant but also to take an active role in advocating for their rights. Whether through participating in public consultations or voicing concerns regarding services received, citizens can help shape the landscape of public procurement in Eswatini.

As the world commemorates Consumer Rights Day, he said it is essential to recognise the interconnectedness of consumer rights and public procurement. He stated that the strides made by ESPPRA reflect a commitment to fostering an environment where citizens can exercise their rights confidently. By facilitating transparency and engagement, Matsebula said they were paving the way for a brighter future for public procurement in Eswatini, one where every citizen benefits from fair and equitable access to public services.

“As we reflect on Consumer Rights Day, let us all pledge to contribute to building a procurement system that prioritises accountability, quality, and the genuine needs of the people. Together, we can champion consumer rights and foster a more transparent government, creating a legacy of integrity for generations to come,” the CEO stated.

Matsebula mentioned that it is important to note that as an Agency, they cannot do this alone; but they believe that they must continue engaging with the Eswatini Competition Commission, the Ombudsman for Financial Services, Eswatini Standards Authority, the Eswatini Environmental Authority, the Construction Industry Council, the Anti-Corruption Commission, and all other agencies that have a mandate to protect consumer interests. He said an informed, engaged, and proactive citizenry is the bedrock of effective governance and fair economic practices.

According to Matsebula, together, through sustained advocacy and mutual accountability, they can create a marketplace that respects and upholds the dignity and rights of all consumers. Let us celebrate our rights while also committing to the actions that ensure those rights are protected for generations to come.

 

 

 

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