LOBAMBA – Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Prince Simelane has expressed deep concern over rising corruption in Eswatini.
The minister called for urgent reforms, including the establishment of dedicated anti-corruption courts and stronger investigative systems.
Speaking during the debate of the ministry’s portfolio committee in Parliament yesterday, Prince Simelane said the country could benefit from adopting models used in other jurisdictions, particularly South Africa and Ghana.
He pointed to the example of Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner in South Africa, describing him as the type of dedicated officer Eswatini needs in its fight against corruption.
The minister said his remarks were informed by concerns raised by emaSwati during Sibaya, where corruption was described as a national disaster.
He added that King Mswati III has repeatedly condemned corruption and directed that those involved must be brought before the law, warning that such practices are ‘killing the country’.
Prince Simelane acknowledged the work of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), but highlighted structural inefficiencies in the current system.
He explained that while the ACC conducts investigations, cases are passed through multiple institutions, often resulting in delays and, in some instances, failure to prosecute due to insufficient evidence.
“We have heard, as we read in the papers, cases where there were issues about lack or insufficient evidence,” he said.
To explore solutions, the minister recently sent a delegation to Ghana to study its anti-corruption framework, noting that its constitutional structure is similar to Eswatini’s. The findings, he said, were encouraging.
“In Ghana, the process is not cumbersome. You do not go around in circles trying to get signatures to arrest a suspect. You can go to any court, even magistrates, and obtain the necessary orders quickly,” he said.
Prince Simelane further revealed that Ghana’s anti-corruption system includes specialised courts, prosecutors and judges dedicated to handling corruption cases.
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TLC’s E50 million payment being facilitated
LOBAMBA – Finally!
The Parliament Finance Committee has stated that the E50 million payment to The Luke Commission (TLC) is now being facilitated.
When presenting the report on the Supplementary Appropriation Bill, No.2 of 2026, at the House of Assembly yesterday, Chairperson of the Finance Committee and Lobamba Lomdzala Member of Parliament (MP) Marwick Khumalo shared that the minister for Finance has assured that the payment is being facilitated.
“There will be no more problems now. The minister has assured us that by March 31, TLC will have received the money. The delay has been caused by cashflow challenges,” said Khumalo.
In its report, the Finance Committee had said that during its session, it was also drawn to the non-release of the E50 million allocated to TLC under the 2025/26 budget.
The report said members expressed concern that a budget approved by Parliament must be implemented in good faith, and that failure to release funds duly appropriated by the House raises fundamental questions regarding adherence to parliamentary authority over public finances.
The committee, according to the report, underscored that continued withholding of the allocation may create institutional tension during the budget processes and debates.
In its findings, the committee said that the Appropriation Act No. 1 of 2025 had not been fully complied with in relation to the allocation of E50 million.
The committee said evidence placed before it indicated that the funds, duly approved by Parliament, had not been released as appropriated.
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Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Prince Simelane (R) with His Majesty’s Correctional Services’ officials before the start of the ministry’s Senate portfolio committee debate. (Pics: Ntombi Mhlongo)