Lobamba – The Micro Projects Co-ordination Unit (MPCU) has defended its decision to award a contractor without a valid tax compliance certificate, saying the move saved government more than E700 000.
The issue came up during the appearance of the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. The ministry had awarded Spotlife Investments (PTY) Ltd a tender worth E5.9 million for electrical and fire installation works at the VIP section of Somhlolo National Stadium.
MPCU Director Sibusiso Mbingo told MPs that although the company did not qualify because of tax issues, it had submitted the lowest bid. He explained that Spotlife’s offer was significantly cheaper than the next competitor, and the unit’s priority was to reduce costs for the state.
“Our main objective was to save the state some money because the contractor was the cheapest. We decided to give him time to resolve his tax issues and then awarded him the tender. We were not colluding with him,” Mbingo told the Committee.
Members of Parliament questioned the decision, with Matsanjeni South MP Sabelo Ndlangamandla calling the matter fraudulent and suggesting it gave the appearance of collusion.
The Royal Eswatini Police Service also appeared before the Committee, with Sergeant Ntombikayise Dlamini explaining that officers only certify documents as true copies of originals and might not have known the intention of the contractor.
The PAC is still expected to make a ruling on the matter.
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