Minister shocked as UNESWA Staff member paid E300k sitting at home

By Thokozani Mazibuko

The Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, has expressed shock and disappointment after discovering that an employee of the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) was being paid a full salary while staying at home and doing nothing.

Speaking during the official handover of the Final Task Team Report to the university’s management on Monday, the Minister described the revelation as unacceptable and a clear reflection of the administrative and accountability challenges facing the institution.

“I am shocked that someone got paid for doing nothing while sitting at home by this institution,” Minister Nxumalo said. “However, it is not time to point fingers but to find a way forward.”

The Minister explained that the decision to establish the special task team was not directed by Cabinet but was his personal initiative aimed at uncovering the root causes of the ongoing issues at UNESWA.

“I wasn’t directed by Cabinet to commission this task team. I just made a decision to assemble intellectuals to compile this report,” he said.

Minister Nxumalo revealed that Cabinet has since reviewed the findings and expressed great satisfaction with the quality and depth of the report, which offers practical recommendations to restore the university’s integrity and efficiency.

“Cabinet was so impressed by the work that has been accomplished, and soon this week a new task team of six or seven members will be appointed for the implementation phase,” the Minister confirmed.

He added that Cabinet has instructed that all the recommendations contained in the report be implemented to address the serious lapses uncovered.

“I was instructed to reduce this task team, and Cabinet directed that the findings be implemented,” he noted.

While acknowledging the magnitude of the challenges facing UNESWA, Minister Nxumalo called for unity and collective effort from all stakeholders to restore the university’s credibility and academic excellence.

“There is a lot that needs to be done, and I am sure everyone has the best interest at heart to turn this situation around,” he said.

The Final Task Team Report was compiled earlier this year following concerns over governance, financial management, and operational inefficiencies within UNESWA.

It is expected to serve as a blueprint for reform, guiding the university toward greater accountability, productivity, and sustainability.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Education and Training, UNESWA Council members, faculty representatives, and student leaders attended the handover ceremony, which symbolized a renewed commitment to transparency and reform in Eswatini’s higher education sector.