By Ncaba Ntshakala
The Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, has announced that tertiary students will receive their allowances in two weeks.
Nxumalo made the statement during the recent commemoration of World Teachers’ Day, assuring the public that efforts are underway to resolve the delays.
“We are working very, very hard to ensure that students receive their allowances,” Nxumalo said, where he explained that the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, which oversees the processing of these funds, has assured him that payments will be disbursed within the next two weeks.
Addressing speculation about financial constraints, Nxumalo clarified that the delays are not due to a lack of funds. “It is not true that the government has cash flow problems.
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The money is available, but inefficiencies in processing are what causes these delays.” He cited the recent closure of registration at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) as an example of how institutional delays can disrupt the timely disbursement of allowances.
“The registration process at universities like UNESWA has been postponed or prolonged, leading to paperwork arriving late.
Even though the money is there, these delays in documentation inevitably delay student allowances,” he said.
Nxumalo emphasized that the ministry’s efforts extend beyond student allowances to other critical areas.
He pointed out that they are working hard to ensure timely payments for free primary education (FPE) and school fees for children under the Orphaned and Vulnerable Children’s (OVC) program.
He also revealed that the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, currently overseeing the OVC program, is working on transferring the program back to the Ministry of Education.
“We are committed to making sure that students across all programs are not affected by these delays. Our ministry, together with other relevant stakeholders, is working tirelessly to ensure that learners receive the support they need,” Nxumalo said.
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The announcement comes after disturbances which affected lectures and students due to delayed payments.
UNESWA was forced to close indefinitely after students boycotted classes and protested, demanding their allowances from the Ministry of Labour.
William Pitcher College soon followed suit, closing after students also engaged in protests over the same issue.
Nxumalo expressed concern over the disruptions but assured the public that efforts are being made to restore normalcy.
“We are working very, very hard to get things back on track so that students can return to class and receive their allowances,” he said.
The Minister urged the public, particularly those involved in processing payments, to collaborate closely with the ministry.
“We need everyone to work hand in hand to facilitate smooth processes. Stakeholders must cooperate to prevent future disruptions and ensure that students receive their funds without delay,” he concluded.
