ACCOUNTANTS CRUCIAL IN GOVT’S ECONOMIC GROWTH AMBITIONS

EZULWINI - Accountants are at the heart of the country’s economic growth as it’s strives to attain the ambitious annual GDP growth target of 12 per cent by 2028.

This was stated by the Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini during the Eswatini Institute of Accountants (ESIA) 2024 Annual Dinner and graduation ceremony held on Wednesday evening at the Happy Valley Hotel. Dlamini was represented by the Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo. Dlamini said as per government’s ‘nkwe’ policy statement, they need accountants and auditors to be at the forefront of this vision. He said accountants and auditors play a critical role in ensuring accountability and transparency in both public and private sectors.

“Their work supports government’s commitment to good governance, reducing corruption and enhancing public service delivery,” he said. Dlamini said the agenda of His Majesty’s government for economic growth and development aligns with the work that ESIA and the accounting profession in ensuring transparency, accountability, and prudent financial management. He said as such, it is critical that there is private-public collaboration where government and the private sector, as well as professional bodies like ESIA work together to achieve national development goals.

Auditors

The PM further commended ESIA for its ongoing efforts in regulating and developing the profession of accountants and auditors in the country. He said since its establishment through the Accountants Act 5 of 1985, ESIA has demonstrated true professionalism within the legal framework that established it. “We commend ESIA for establishing its Ethics Committee, which ensures that ethical standards are upheld in the profession and serves as a model of self-regulation,” he said. He further stressed the importance of ethical leadership across all sectors, especially accounting, where integrity and transparency are non-negotiable.

He said in order to effectively eradicate corruption, they need to foster public trust and promote good governance, and to do that we need ethical leadership. Dlamini reaffirmed government’s commitment to upholding ethical standards in public finance management and governance as seen with various programmes and policies, including the recent establishment of a Government Audit Committee, the first of its kind in the country.

Permanent

He said as a valuable institution in the kingdom, there is a need for ESIA to have permanent and stable structures to continue its important work in regulating the profession. He said government will ensure ESIA has the necessary support to achieve this lifetime goal.

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