MBABANE – Magistrate Cebisile Ngwenya, a corporate law specialist and former Assistant Master of the High Court, has been appointed Commissioner of Co-operatives.
Ngwenya takes over the position previously held by the late Russell Nxumalo, who died in October 2025.
Her appointment places her at the helm of the Department of Co-operative Development at a time when some co-operatives are facing serious financial and governance challenges.
The department, which falls under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, is responsible for overseeing and supporting the country’s co-operative movement.
Ngwenya’s legal background and experience in the administration of companies, trusts and deceased estates could prove valuable in the department, particularly in strengthening governance, financial accountability and the protection of members’ interests.
According to her curriculum vitae, Ngwenya is currently serving as a magistrate at the Pigg’s Peak Magistrates Court, a position she has held since August 2019.
In this capacity, she presides over criminal and civil matters, prepares judgments and court orders, issues warrants and supervises court personnel.
Before joining the magistracy, she served as assistant master of the High Court from May 2013 to August 2019.
Her responsibilities included administering deceased estates, examining and approving liquidation and distribution accounts, determining objections and supervising company and trust administration and liquidations.
She also conducted meetings with next of kin and appointed executors, trustees and curators, while safeguarding the interests of minors and people unable to manage their own affairs.
This experience is particularly relevant to the administration of co-operatives, which requires effective financial oversight, proper governance and the protection of members’ interests.
Ngwenya’s career in the justice system dates back to October 2005, when she joined the High Court as a transcriber and assistant registrar.
She worked in that capacity until May 2013, gaining experience in court administration, record management and the handling of legal processes.
Her academic qualifications include an LLB from the University of Pretoria, which she obtained between 2009 and 2012, and a Diploma in Law from the University of Swaziland, completed between 2001 and 2004.
She subsequently obtained a Master of Laws (LLM), specialising in Corporate Law, from the University of South Africa between 2013 and 2017. She was admitted as an attorney of the High Court of Eswatini in 2016.
Apart from her judicial responsibilities, Ngwenya has also been a part-time lecturer in Aspects of Law in Health Practice at Good Shepherd Catholic College of Health Sciences in Siteki since April 2022.
Her professional experience also includes serving as chairperson of the Eswatini Football Association’s Disciplinary Committee for Lubombo and Hhohho from 2019 to 2025. She is currently a member of the association’s Club Licensing Board.
Her appointment comes against the backdrop of several reported difficulties within the country’s co-operative sector.
One of the cases that have raised concern is that of the Bunye Betfu Buhle Betfu Savings and Credit Co-operative, which has faced serious financial and administrative problems.
The Times of Eswatini reported on October 4, 2026, that an audit had found that E19.6 million could not be properly accounted for.
The report further stated that the co-operative’s Board had been removed pending an intensive investigation following findings of financial irregularities and maladministration.
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) had intervened, with the intention of stabilising the institution, restoring financial controls and paving the way for the election of a new Board.
Another co-operative that has attracted attention is the Swaziland Lutsango LwakaNgwane Multi-purpose Co-operative.
In August 2026, this publication reported that a forensic investigation had been proposed following concerns over the alleged disappearance of approximately E2.5 million in members’ funds.
The publication reported that an inspection conducted by a tripartite task team comprising the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, FSRA and the Eswatini Association of Savings and Credit Co-operatives had uncovered a deficit of E2.5 million.
The findings had reportedly been confirmed by the late Nxumalo in January 2025, alongside concerns about governance, compliance and maladministration.
The Eswatini Multi-purpose Co-operative Union (ESWAMCU) has also faced questions over its administration.
In April 2025, Independent News reported that a forensic audit by SNG Grant Thornton had uncovered alleged maladministration, abuse of power and misuse of funds by former Board members.
The findings prompted ministerial intervention and the appointment of a new Board.
These cases have brought into focus the importance of proper governance, accountability and effective supervision in institutions entrusted with members’ savings.
The Department of Co-operative Development plays a central role in addressing such concerns through its regulatory and monitoring mandate.
