In the past couple of weeks, the kingdom has witnessed attempts by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to close the net on three high profile individuals. However, as we waited with baited breath to see the first high profile arrests under the ACC, such could not come to pass; as there was not enough prima facie evidence to warrant the arrest of these high-level individuals. It must be understood that in law, evidence is key; admissible evidence that is and it is up to the courts to make that determination. Before I delve any further, I must say that courts of law tend to operate differently from courts of social opinion and social media courts. I, therefore, urge that as much as we are reeling and hurting over the loss of drugs and the impunity of corruption, we must learn to respect the courts. I contend, that we need to enhance the capacity of the ACC and auxiliary bodies to ensure that they can become effective in investigations and, ultimately, the prosecution of those guilty of corruption.
Opportunity cost
Corruption affects all areas of society, especially the most vulnerable groups. It undermines good governance, erodes trust, wastes resources and stifles overall economic and social development. Considering the case under review, we note that, essentially, corruption has taken the lives of emaSwati and two years later, the health sector is yet to recover. On an annual basis, it is estimated that we lose E1.09 billion to corruption, as a nation. This is not just money that we lose to the pockets of a few, but the cost is much greater. To put it in context, the office of the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office has a budget of E1.069 billion – some E300 million lower than that which we lose to corruption. Approximately, E600 million was spent on the Gege-Sicunusa Road, if we closed the tap on corruption we could have built two such roads. Recently, USAID pulled over E1 billion in assistance for health, exacerbating the challenges of the health sector. Signalling that if we were efficient with our fiscal expenditure and rooted out corruption, we would have traversed such funding threats much better than we are at present.
ACC in economic development
The ACC plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth by promoting transparency, accountability and good governance. By investigating and preventing corrupt practices, it helps create a fair business environment, where resources are allocated efficiently and public funds are used for development priorities. Reducing corruption improves investor confidence, attracts foreign direct investment and enhances the credibility of public institutions. Moreover, by safeguarding contracts, procurement processes and service delivery, the commission ensures that infrastructure projects, social services and industrial development are not undermined by fraud. Ultimately, its efforts contribute to sustainable economic growth and equitable development.
Challenges of ACC
The ACC faces numerous challenges which include, among others, chronic underfunding and capacity shortages limiting the commissions capacity to investigate cases, train staff and conduct public education (Inhlase, 2024). Eswatini Observer, (2025) revealed that the absence of whistle-blower laws discourages insiders from reporting corruption. These and a myriad of other issues has resulted in extremely low public trust in the institution. The Afrobarometer survey of 2023 revealed that a majority of emaSwati found corruption to be worsening and reporting could invite retaliation. Furthermore, prosecution outcomes remain weak, with only 2 of 258 investigated cases referred for prosecution in one year (IMF, 2023). These interlinked challenges severely limit the ACC’s effectiveness. It is, therefore, imperative that we strengthen the capacity of the ACC and also ensure that it can function independently. Combatting corruption will aid the country improve on resource utilisation through efficient use of resources with minimal resource wastages.
Reforms
According to existing literature, the ACC requires substantial reforms to strengthen its effectiveness in combating corruption. A key priority is building greater financial and human resource capacity through increased and ring-fenced funding, coupled with professional training in areas such as forensic auditing, digital investigation and case management, which would significantly enhance its investigative capabilities (IMF, 2023).
At the same time, addressing internal corruption and ensuring merit-based recruitment is crucial to restoring credibility and public confidence (Africa Press, 2023). Equally important is enhancing the commission’s institutional independence by restructuring its reporting lines, so that it reports directly to Parliament, rather than the Ministry of Justice; thereby minimising political interference in its operations (Afrobarometer, 2023). To sustain reforms, the ACC must also focus on building public trust and engagement through robust public education campaigns, improved transparency in case handling and closer collaboration with civil society organisations to foster a culture of accountability and collective responsibility in the fight against corruption (Inhlase, 2024).
Conclusion
Strengthening the ACC is vital for the country’s governance and development. With corruption draining billions annually and eroding public trust, enhancing the ACC’s capacity, independence and credibility is imperative. Comprehensive reforms in funding, staffing and institutional autonomy, coupled with stronger public engagement, can transform the ACC into an effective guardian of accountability, calibrated to bite. Ultimately, a robust ACC will safeguard resources, restore confidence and unlock Eswatini’s potential for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
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