EBET DONATION SPARKS ETHICS DEBATE IN PARLY

MBABANE – A E2.2 million donation from eBet has sparked a debate regarding ethical standards in public office, particularly concerning Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Simelane.

The online betting company recently pledged E2.2 million to support development projects in Mbabane and surrounding areas, including those within Simelane’s constituency.

As the Member of Parliament (MP) for Mbabane West Inkhundla and a Cabinet minister, Simelane’s involvement has raised questions about the implications of such donations.

During the debate on the Prime Minister’s Office Annual Performance Report on Tuesday, Lobamba Lomdzala Member of Parliament, Marwick Khumalo, told Prime Minister Russell Dlamini that Cabinet ministers should demonstrate they are not compromised by accepting donations from entities that receive trading licences under their ministries.

He asserted that this constituted blatant and open corruption, which should not be condoned because the company was granted an operating licence by the ministry Simelane leads.

“What we are witnessing in the gaming industry is unacceptable. A minister cannot, as a licence provider, be seen accepting monetary donations from the very entity they granted an operating licence to, whether rightfully or wrongly. This is outright and open corruption. If that is how government conducts its business, then others should be allowed to do the same,” he stated.

The Prevention of Corruption Act, 2006, addresses conflict of interest as a key element of corruption. Section 27 (1) of the Act stipulates that a member or employee of a public body commits an offence of corruption when that member or employee, or an immediate family member, has a direct or indirect interest in any company or undertaking with which the public body proposes to deal, or when the member or employee has a personal interest in any decision the public body is to make, and knowingly fails to disclose the nature of that interest, or votes or participates in the proceedings of the public body relating to that dealing or decision.

Betting

The online betting company has pledged over E2 220 000 over three years to support community development in Mbabane, focusing on food security and educational opportunities for vulnerable children. A key component of this initiative, highlighted during the donation, is the sponsorship of the Municipal Council of Mbabane’s six soup kitchens, which provide 1 600 meals daily to 800 people. During the donation, Simelane expressed gratitude to eBet and addressed the 1 300 children who will benefit from the donation. She encouraged them to work hard and take care of the donated shoes and uniforms.

She also delivered a speech on behalf of the minister for Housing and Urban Development, who was unable to attend.

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