By Zweli Martin Dlamini

I will be doing a disservice to the Nation by not applauding the support from the World Bank seeking to assist the country amid efforts to revive the collapsing University of Eswatini(UNESWA) and, the manner in which Education Minister Owen Nxumalo, of course with Cabinet support, is handling the situation.

Previously, we had Commission of Inquiries in this country and various Committees established to investigate corruption, maladministration and/or challenges within State owned institutions only for the investigation reports to be kept under the carpet.

It was therefore encouraging to see the Education Minister coming back to inform the Nation that, the findings and/or recommendations of the Ubombo Sugar Limited Managing Director Muzi Siyaya will be implemented and that, a new Committee of experts has been appointed to investigate further and, work towards implementing the recommendations.

Well, if the World Bank is involved as confirmed by the Education Minister, we are likely will see professionalism because unlike public funds, donor funds are strictly monitored and must be used for the intended purpose.

As the independent media, we fully support the Government and the World Bank in this journey to restore the once internationally recognized University of Eswatini, the challenges within UNESWA must be addressed in the interest of the country.

But in conclusion, it is important to state that, the University of Eswatini needs money to fund operations and therefore, public funds must be used to fund the institution of higher learning because as emaSwati, we are paying tax.

It was very disturbing to see Lecturers engaging in a protest, demanding unpaid or delayed salaries, the situation was undermining the dignity of the UNESWA Lecturers and compromising the quality of education.

Indeed, we can’t be applauding donor funding while paying tax, after all these investigations, Government must pump-in money but of course, we need proper monitoring systems to ensure transparency and accountability and the new Commitee of experts will assist in this regard.