By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE: Prime Minister Cleopas Sipho Dlamini has purchased a Mercedes Benz S500 4MATIC worth over R3million with public funds amid financial challenges that resulted to Government's failure to supply drugs in hospitals and provide scholarships.

An independent investigation conducted by this Swaziland News uncovered documents suggesting that the car was allegedly supplied by Stucky Motors, a car dealership based in  Piet Retief in Mpumalanga, it cost R3,161,813.19 including Value Added Tax(VAT).

A questionnaire was sent to Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo, however, he had not responded at the time of compiling this report.

Reached for comments,Colani Maseko, the President of the Swaziland National Union of Students(SNUS) described the purchasing of the R 3million Mercedes Benz by the Prime Minister as proof that money was enough in the country to sustain the people but it was enjoyed by few individuals.

“This is an indication that money is enough in the country for scholarships, construction of roads including supplying drugs in hospitals. But here is a Prime Minister buying a R3 million car with public funds at the time when the people are struggling. This should be an eye opener to Swazis that they must continue fighting for a better life for all,”said the Students Union President.

A Government circular in our possession suggests that Prime Minister was entitled to a Mercedes Benz S350 and a Range Rover, however, the PM purchased an S500 in complete disregard of the Government Circular.

An independent investigation conducted by this Swaziland News further uncovered that on or around 19th May 2022, Bertram Stewart, the Principal Secretary in the PM’s office wrote a letter and or a memo to Thulani Mkhaliphi, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Public Works and Transport requesting him to facilitate the purchasing of the Mercedes Benz.

“Reference is made to the provision of the Finance Circular where His Excellency the Right Honorable Prime Minister is entitled to two official vehicles. A sedan bench marked on the Mercedes Benz S500 and a Sport Utility Vehicle(SUV). Currently, His Excellency has already received the SUV and the sedan has been outstanding for a while.I attached a quotation for the suitable vehicle which His Excellency has approved in consultation with the CTA administration.The Private and Cabinet Office therefore requests you to proceed and facilitate the acquisition of the vehicle,” reads the memo in part signed by Bertram Stewart, the Principal Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office.

Eswatini, a tiny Kingdom ruled by billionaire King Mswati as an absolute Monarch has about 70% of the population living below the poverty line, the health and education sectors are on the brink of collapse after the King’s Government failed to provide resources despite collecting huge taxes from the public.