Govt disburses FPE funding to most schools
By Thokozani Mazibuko
Most schools across the country have already received their Free Primary Education FPE Grant, Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Education and Training Naniki Mnisi has confirmed.
Speaking in an interview with the Eswatini Daily News, the PS said the release of funds was largely successful, with only a few exceptions that the Ministry is now addressing.
Mnisi explained that the main challenge affecting the remaining schools is the absence of headteachers in some institutions. According to the PS, schools that currently do not have officially appointed headteachers have not yet received their FPE payments, as the processing of funds requires verified leadership and administrative details.
“Most schools have received their Free Primary Education Grant,” Mnisi said. “However, there are some schools which currently have no headteachers, and these have not received the FPE payment.
The Ministry is aware of this irregularity and we are moving promptly to resolve it.”
The PS assured parents, teachers and school communities that the situation is temporary and will be corrected as a matter of urgency. She emphasised that no learner would be disadvantaged as a result of administrative gaps, adding that the Ministry remains committed to ensuring that all eligible schools benefit from the FPE programme.
The Free Primary Education Grant plays a critical role in the day to day running of public primary schools, covering essential needs such as learning materials, utilities, minor maintenance and other operational costs.
Delays in receiving the grant can place pressure on school management and affect service delivery, particularly at the start of the academic year.
Mnisi urged schools that have not yet received their FPE funds to take immediate steps to facilitate the process. She encouraged affected schools to urgently liaise with their respective Regional Education Offices (REOs)and submit all the required information to enable payment to be processed without further delay.
“Schools that have not received the FPE are encouraged to urgently engage with the REO and ensure that all the necessary data is submitted,” she said. “Once the correct information is provided, the Ministry will process the payment accordingly.”
She noted that accurate and up to date school data is essential for efficient disbursement of government funds. This includes verified banking details, leadership information and enrolment figures, all of which form part of the FPE payment requirements.
The PS also took the opportunity to reassure parents and guardians that the Ministry is closely monitoring the situation, especially as schools reopen and operational demands increase.
She said the Ministry is working with regional offices to identify affected schools and provide support where needed.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the confirmation that most schools have already received their grants, describing it as a positive step towards stability in the education sector.
The timely release of FPE funds is seen as crucial in ensuring that teaching and learning continue without disruption, particularly for learners from vulnerable backgrounds.
Mnisi reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of public education funds. She said continuous engagement with schools and regional offices remains a priority to ensure that challenges are addressed swiftly and effectively.
Moreover, the Ministry of Education and Training has pledged to finalise all outstanding FPE payments and ensure that every qualifying school receives the support it needs to provide quality education for learners across the country.