Mbabane-the Ministry of Labour and Social Security has announced a delay in payment of local student’s allowances.
A press statement was released by the Ministry through the Principal Secretary Makhosini Mdawe where he informed all students studying in local tertiary institutions that are supported through the Government Scholarship Program (PTEF) that the payment of allowances for the academic year 2023/24, month of December will be delayed.
The delay of the allowances is due to unforeseen circumstances experienced by government. He continued to assure the students that the Ministry of Labour and Social Security is working hand in hand with the Ministry of Finance to expedite the process and further communication on the payment will be made in due course.
“The Ministry further reiterates and assures students of its commitment to ensuring that their welfare is prioritized and the cooperation of all students and stakeholders is requested. The inconvenience is regretted’’ expounded Mdawe.
Comments making rounds on social media denounce the delay stating that the delays in allowances were crippling since most of the students did not have other sources of income and solely relied on the allowance. The SNUS of students President Gabiey Ndukuya blamed the delay of the allowances on the lack of priority to education by the government. The union also blamed the government on spending huge amounts of money on national events also stating that the government of Eswatini has neglected the education sector and is the least of priorities.