By Thokozani Mazibuko
The Eswatini Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (ESPPRA) took a significant step towards enhancing transparency and accountability in public school procurement by organizing a training session for school Principals.
Led by ESPPRA CEO Vusi Matsebula, the training aimed to educate school leaders on the correct and lawful procurement procedures to ensure compliance with the procurement legislation.
Addressing the Principals at the opening of the training session, CEO Vusi Matsebula emphasized the importance of adhering to proper procurement practices.
He highlighted instances where school leaders unintentionally violate procurement laws, such as when principals’ companies supply materials to local schools without following the required procedures.
Matsebula stressed the significance of the training in equipping school leaders with the necessary knowledge to prevent such inadvertent breaches of the law.
The training session, scheduled to span a day, will cover a range of essential procurement areas, including the application of the Procurement Act, principles of public procurement, unethical practices associated with public procurement, supplier relationship management, and supplier selection.
This comprehensive program aims to provide Principals with a holistic understanding of best practices in public procurement to ensure transparency and fairness in the procurement process.
Key facilitators of the training programme include Veli Ngwenya and Thulile Sifundza, who bring a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of procurement.
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Their guidance and insights are expected to enrich the training experience for the Principals, enabling them to implement effective procurement strategies in their respective schools.
Furthermore, the training will delve into essential topics such as budget planning and consolidation, crucial aspects of managing school finances effectively.
By equipping Principals with the tools and knowledge necessary for sound financial planning, the training aims to enhance the overall efficiency and accountability of schools in managing their procurement processes.
ESPPRA’s initiative to train school Principals on public procurement best practices marks a proactive effort to promote integrity and accountability in the education sector.
By empowering school leaders with the requisite skills and knowledge, ESPPRA is fostering a culture of compliance and good governance within public schools, ultimately benefiting students, teachers, and the community at large.
It should be noted that as the training progresses, it is expected that Principals will gain valuable insights and practical strategies to navigate the complexities of public procurement effectively.
By instilling a culture of transparency and adherence to procurement regulations, ESPPRA is laying the foundation for a more efficient and accountable procurement system in Eswatini’s public schools.
It is worth mentioning that the training session organized by ESPPRA serves as a crucial step towards building capacity and enhancing standards in public school procurement and by investing in the professional development of school leaders,
ESPPRA is setting the stage for improved procurement practices that will ultimately contribute to the overall growth and development of the education sector in Eswatini.
Representing the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Training, Nhlanhla Dlamini emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in public procurement during his address at the training session.
The event aimed to equip school Principals with the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure compliance with procurement laws and regulations.
The comprehensive training programme covered a wide range of critical procurement areas, including the application of the Procurement Act, principles of public procurement, identification of unethical practices in public procurement, supplier relationship management, and supplier selection.
Facilitated by industry experts Veli Ngwenya and Thulile Sifundza, the training promised valuable insights and strategies for Principals to enhance their procurement processes.
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In addition to procurement best practices, the training also focused on budget planning, consolidation, approval, and budget reporting.
These essential topics aimed to equip school leaders with the tools and knowledge necessary for effective financial management within their respective institutions.
The presence of key facilitators Veli Ngwenya and Thulile Sifundza underscored the quality and expertise embedded in the training program.
Their guidance and insights are expected to empower Principals to implement efficient procurement strategies and uphold the highest standards of integrity i
