Asset declarations must apply to All- Prince Mphatfwa

By Delisa Magagula

The Commission has convened chiefs from the Hhohho region for a first-of-its-kind training on human rights-based approaches to dispute resolution, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The programme seeks to strengthen the role of traditional leaders in safeguarding human rights in their communities.

The Attorney General’s Office is also taking part in the sessions, ensuring that legal perspectives guide the discussions.

During the opening, Prince Mphatfwa delivered a blunt message on the fight against corruption, calling for asset declarations to extend to every level of the public service from top officials to the most junior employees.

“Everyone must declare their assets. In previous cases, we have seen junior staff with access to huge funds abusing them to live large. Corruption does not start and end at the top; even lower-ranking staff are capable of it.” He said.

The Prince cited the example of an accountant who was arrested after misappropriating millions, warning that such incidents reveal loopholes in the system.

He stressed that employees’ achievements and lifestyles must match their legitimate earnings, adding that unchecked access to public funds was a recipe for abuse.

The chiefs’ training is part of a wider effort to align traditional dispute resolution with principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability values Prince Mphatfwa said must also guide public sector conduct.