Public Sector accounting programme launched at UNESWA

By Thokozani Mazibuko

To improve public financial accountability, efficiency, and transparency, the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) in collaboration with the Office of the Accountant General (AG) has officially launched the Post Graduate Diploma in Public Sector Accounting programme.

The official launch of the programme, which was attended by the Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg, who also happened to be the guest speaker during the occasion, took place on Wednesday at the university premises.

When making his remarks, minister said the launch of the Post Graduate Diploma in Public Sector Accounting marked a significant milestone in the nation’s trajectory; the beginning of a journey towards fiscal excellence, accountability and transparency through knowledge empowerment.

The minister mentioned that for decades, the prudent management of public resources has powered the engine of the national development.

He said the individuals entrusted with this important duty were the country’s accountants, auditors, and financial officers in the public service.

“Together they are the guardians of our collective wealth. Their expertise, therefore, is the bedrock upon which public trust is built and upon which effective service delivery depends.

Thus, one cannot over emphasise our excitement at an opportunity to continuously sharpen their expertise and skills, with the introduction of PFM Reforms,” the minister said.

The minister stated that with this backdrop, the ministry has long recognised a critical gap between the Accountancy skills taught in the country’s academic institutions and the specialised competencies required for effective public financial management.

“Our tertiary institutions, including our esteemed UNESWA, have produced accountants, grounded in the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)—the language of the private sector in accounting,” the minister said.

The minister pointed out that while this was commendable; nevertheless, public accounting has lagged behind. He said public accounting was a different universe that operates on the principles of transparency, accountability, and stewardship, guided by its own rigorous framework, which was the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

The minister said to expect a professional, trained solely in IFRS, to navigate the complexities of government finance without specialised training, was to ask a navigator to chart a course with the wrong map.

“This gap is what we gather to close today to align the Public Accountant to their correct map.

This map is a navigation of public sector governance, ethics, procurement, reporting and auditing components though the Post Graduate Diploma in Public Sector Accounting,” he said.

The minister further stated that this pioneering course, a fruit of a visionary collaboration between the University of Eswatini and the Office of the Accountant General, was a direct and strategic response to this need.

He said it represents a powerful synergy where academic excellence meets practical, real-world governance requirements.

Rijkenberg said this initiative could not be more timely. He said as it arrives, the ministry, through the Treasury Department, was vigorously pursuing an agenda of professionalization of the Accountancy cadre across the public service.

“Our mission is clear: to strengthen the safeguards around public resources, enhance fiscal discipline, and ensure that every Lilangeni is accounted for and directed towards the development of our nation and the welfare of our Emaswati,” he said.

The minister said this course was not merely an academic programme, but it was an important component of the ministry’s reform agenda. He said it was an investment in the ministry’s most valuable asset, the people.

The minister said by equipping the nation’s current and future public finance personnel with this specialised knowledge, they were not just teaching them accounting standards, but they were instilling a culture of integrity, empowering them with modern tools, and building a resilient financial infrastructure for the Eswatini Government.

“To the first cohort of students, they are pioneers. They are embarking on a path that will define the future of public accountability in our Kingdom. The knowledge they will gain will place them at the forefront of a new era of financial governance,” he said.

The minister extended his deepest gratitude to the UNESWA for its agility and commitment to national service. He stated that they were looking forward to future collaborations with the institution for the betterment of Accountants in the country and the government.

“My appreciation also goes to the Office of the Accountant General for its foresight and relentless drive in identifying this need and championing this solution, may they continue to vigorously pursue excellence and alignment to regional and international standards,” he said.

The minister added that this collaboration was a shining example of how government and academia can work hand-in-hand to tackle national challenges.

“It is a model we must celebrate and replicate. It is, therefore, with immense pride and great hope for the future, that I officially launch this Postgraduate Diploma in Public Sector Accounting.

May it strengthen our national treasury, enhance safeguarding measures of our resources, and propel Eswatini towards a future of unparalleled economic stability and prosperity,” he said.