By Ncaba Ntshakala
As the government continues to heed directives from His Majesty King Mswati III and Sibaya for a resolute stance against corrupt practices, the focus continues to be on high-profile individuals, commonly known as bobhabuli.
When delivering the 2024 achievement report, Prime Minister Russell Dlamini emphasized the government’s continued dedication to combating corruption, in which he reiterated the destructive impact it has on the state’s functionality.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that corruption undermines the state’s ability to deliver services and hampers economic progress.
In response to a call from the Throne to action, the government implemented robust measures to eradicate this scourge.
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One of the key steps taken was the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Task Team. This team, comprising the Police, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), was formed to consolidate efforts in investigating and prosecuting corruption cases effectively.
To enhance the operational capacity of the ACC, the government committed to deploying ten additional police officers to assist in investigations and prosecutions.
Recognizing the need for specialized expertise, the government also sought technical assistance from the international community.
This collaboration aims to enhance the capacity of Eswatini’s anti-corruption institutions, equipping them with the tools and skills necessary to tackle sophisticated corruption networks.
The Prime Minister detailed the significant progress made during the year, with the ACC investigating 285 corruption cases.
This intensified effort led to several warrants of arrest being issued, resulting in six arrests.
Of these cases, 37 have already advanced to the court system, which he said shows the government’s determination to ensure accountability and justice.
“Corruption is a menace throttling our economy, and government remains tenacious in eliminating it. These actions are only the beginning of our resolve to dismantle networks of corruption and restore public trust in our institutions,” Dlamini stated.
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The Prime Minister further emphasized that the fight against corruption is not solely the government’s responsibility.
He called on emaSwati to report corrupt practices and support efforts to create a transparent and accountable society.
Dlamini concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to the directives issued by His Majesty and Sibaya, vowing to pursue all corrupt individuals, particularly the ‘big fish,’ until justice is served.
“The road ahead requires unwavering dedication, but together, we will root out corruption and build a prosperous Eswatini,” he said.
