(At Sigwaca House)
MBABANE – A proposed policy review could increase annual Premier League of Eswatini executive allowances from E300 000 to E700 000.
The dispute centres on a new policy document that, if adopted, could see total annual expenditure on executive allowances surge by over 130 per cent.
Tensions flared during a meeting held yesterday at Sigwaca House, where the Board of Governors (BoGs) refused to allow the policy review committee, led by Osborne Nzima, who was absent to present their findings.
It is understood that some members argued the committee attempted to bypass established protocol, insisting the report must first be interrogated by the Executive Committee (Exco) before being presented for final approval.
Governors expressed their frustration, describing the bypassed process as a sign of leadership failure and ordering the executive to return to the drawing board with a 14-day ultimatum to reconcile their position.
The financial implications of the proposed policy have deeply divided opinion within the organisation.
Those in favour of the hike argue that the amendments were inherited from the previous executive and represent a necessary formalisation of retainer fees and sitting allowances. Supporters believe that because the PLE has recently cleared historic debts totalling E1.8 million, the organisation is now in a position to compensate its leadership at the proposed levels.
However, a vocal faction of the executive and the BoGs has opposed the move, citing a lack of available funds. Critics argue that the PLE cannot justify pushing allowances to E700 000 when the organisation’s financial footing remains precarious, warning that such profligacy could alienate sponsors and even trigger a vote of no confidence against the current leadership.
Adding to the complexity of the debate is the controversial issue of a 10 per cent commission on sponsorship deals.
Several members voiced their dissatisfaction over the inconsistent application of this rule, alleging that while some individuals have allegedly been paid, others have been sidelined. It was clarified during the meeting that these payments are sourced from general revenue raised by the PLE, such as gate takings, rather than directly from sponsors.
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