Cabinet deploys experts to overhaul embattled UNESWA systems

by Delisa Magagula

The Minister for Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, has officially launched the Implementation Committee tasked with driving, coordinating, and monitoring the far-reaching reforms arising from the UNESWA Task Force Report.

The committee, appointed for an initial term of 12 months, has been directed to begin its work immediately as government moves to address the longstanding operational and governance challenges facing the University of Eswatini (UNESWA).

Speaking during the launch on Wednesday at the Ministry’s boardroom, Minister Nxumalo said the establishment of the Implementation Committee marks the beginning of a new phase in government’s efforts to restore the university’s financial stability, academic integrity, and overall institutional effectiveness.

He emphasised the urgency of the mandate, noting that the committee is expected to begin executing its responsibilities without delay.

“We are looking forward to this team working hard and helping the university. This work becomes effective immediately. To address the situation at UNESWA, the committee must start its work right away,” he said.

He added that the ministry had full confidence in the team selected saying they trust this team because they have chosen the crème de la crème of the country to ensure the implementation phase proceeds smoothly.

“We believe they possess the knowledge, experience, and commitment required to deliver on this mandate,” said the Minister.

Worth remembering, the launch of the Implementation Committee follows the release of the UNESWA Task Force Report, which highlighted a range of systemic challenges affecting the institution.

The Task Force was commissioned by the Ministry of Education and Training after government and the public raised concerns about repeated financial crises at the university, including the recurring failure to settle utility bills and the overall deterioration of operations.

According to the report, the problems at UNESWA were not primarily the result of inadequate government subvention, but rather stemmed from internal inefficiencies, weak governance structures, and financial management shortcomings.

Among the issues noted were weak internal controls, budget inefficiencies, operational dysfunctions, and evidence of mismanagement in multiple departments.

The Task Force concluded that significant structural and administrative reforms were necessary to restore the institution’s functionality and integrity.

Following the finalisation of the Task Force Report, Cabinet instructed the Ministry to ensure that all recommendations contained in the document were implemented.

The establishment of the Implementation Committee is the mechanism through which these recommendations will be translated into concrete actions.

Now, the committee has been mandated to develop a comprehensive, costed, and time-bound implementation plan for the recommended reforms. Its work will focus on financial, academic, and governance reforms, which the Task Force identified as critical areas requiring immediate attention.

The key deliverables assigned to the committee include the submission of an inception report within 30 days of appointment.

This report will outline the committee’s approach, priorities, work methodology, and schedule for the twelve-month term. The committee is further required to prepare a detailed implementation plan, complete with timelines, costing, and assigned institutional responsibilities across all units affected by the reform process.

Meanwhile a major component of the committee’s work will involve advising the Ministry on the introduction of a performance-based funding formula for UNESWA.

The Task Force recommended shifting from the current input-based model to a performance-oriented system that rewards efficiency, quality improvements, and institutional accountability. The Implementation Committee is expected to review the necessary policy adjustments, assess institutional readiness, and provide a clear roadmap for transitioning to this funding model.

“At the end of its twelve-month mandate, the committee will submit a consolidated report summarising all actions taken, progress achieved, and challenges encountered. This report will guide the Ministry and Cabinet on further decisions regarding the restructuring and long-term sustainability of the university,” assured the minister.

Worth noting, the implementation Committee is chaired by Dr. Alex Tsela, who leads a team selected for their expertise in areas including financial management, audit, higher education governance, academic quality assurance, legal frameworks, institutional change, and organisational reform.

The full list of appointed members includes:

Dr. Alex Tsela — Chairperson
Kobla Quashie
Professor Zodwa Motsa
Musa Ndzabandzaba
Meluleki Ndlangamandla
Mboni Dlamini
Mcolisi Stan Maphosa

During the launch, the Minister highlighted that each member was chosen for their professional track record and leadership ability.

He reiterated that Cabinet expects the committee to uphold the highest standards of diligence and accountability throughout the reform process.