Mbabane – The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is highly expected to conclude a resolution over the undelivered E1.5 million fire fighter truck.
It appears the PAC has had enough with the South African company, Marce Firefighing Technology’s allegedly unended promises of delivering in the country the fire fighting truck that would enable the Eswatini National Fire and Emergency Services (ENFES) to effectively carry out its mandate.
The machine was procured in 2021 yet remains undelivered. The PAC told Marce Firefighing Technology general manager, Jan Steyn, that he is running out of time, following a fact finding mission the committee undertook in assessment of the condition of the machinery in Pretoria.
Ngwempisi Member of Parliament (MP) Bhekibandla Vilakati reminded Steyn that this was the second time he had to promise the committee that the truck would be delivered within 12 months. Vilakati cautioned Steyn against lying in parliament.
In his defence, Steyn told the MPs that he did not have the full details about what was delaying the delivery of the truck as he was no longer the owner of the company he allegedly co owned with his wife.
“I am just an employee. I don’t have the full details about what might be causing the delay. My superiors have mandated me to report that they are working around the clock to make sure that the truck is delivered in the next 12 months,” Steyn said.
In his last appearance, Steyn told the PAC that the business was paid E14 756 000 of E15 million after the committee flagged the anomaly from the Auditor General Timothy Matsebula’s report. The report also said infighting within Steyn’s business led to the vanishing of the money paid.
Matsebula, forwarded a written query to the ENFES Chief Fire Officer Luke Lushaba in January, advising of the government’s options of the anomaly.
Steyn had said Marce Fire Fighting Technology, five years ago, got the tender, but the MPs found the truck lady year in Pretoria still an emergency vehicle without a “chassis and crane.”
Steyn attributed the failure to deliver to financial issues and developments with his marriage that affected business.
Steyn said that the company partly collapsed due to the Indian deal gone wrong, where he had invested heavily with the hope of reaping significant profits.
The PAC witnessed a March 2025 deadline pass without the delivery.
The PAC Vic3 Chairman, Manzi Zwane, had recommended imposing a E20 000 fine on officers who handled the procurement process by invoking the Public Finance Management (Amendment) Act.
The government lawyer said the PAC is only allowed to call witnesses but not capable of detaining them until summonses have been issued through the Attorney General’s (AG) office.
The PA Chairperson Madala Mhlanga told of their non fruitful inspection in Pretoria.
He also shared the Ministry of Public Works and Transport Principal Secretary Makhosini Mndawe and Steyn’s communication where it was said that the company was busy with a turnaround strategy.
Steyn also said they are also working on a number of projects that will help in raising the capital needed for completing the vehicle.
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