Mbabane – The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has addressed concerns raised by federations affiliated with the Eswatini National Provident Fund ENPF regarding recent board appointments, stating that all actions were conducted in strict compliance with the ENPF Order of 1974.
Minister for Labour and Social Security, Hon. Phila Buthelezi, said the appointment of the Chairperson, as well as the ministry’s Principal Secretary and Under Secretary to related statutory bodies, followed legal provisions. He clarified that the law empowers the Minister to appoint both the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the Board and does not allow for a rotational system or for external bodies to dictate appointments.
The federations TUCOSWA, Business Eswatini, FSBC, and FESWATU had formally objected, arguing that certain appointments violated the ENPF Order and requesting that Board meetings be suspended pending further discussion. Buthelezi reaffirmed that past administrations appointed individuals from outside the ministry without objection, citing former ENPF Chairperson Sipho Mngomezulu and Board member Thuli Mdluli as examples.
The minister addressed claims that nominees should be disqualified due to pending civil court matters, stating that untested allegations do not prevent appointments. He added that the ministry has never interfered with nominees submitted by social partners, even when they faced serious criminal accusations.
Hon. Buthelezi also rejected the suggestion that social partners should have authority to appoint the Chairperson, describing such claims as legally unfounded and administratively improper. He warned that threats to withdraw participation from the ENPF Board could undermine the fund’s stability and the financial security of ordinary workers.
Mr. Shiba, the newly appointed Chairperson, was described by the minister as a respected national entrepreneur whose contributions to job creation and economic development in Eswatini are widely recognised. The minister said selective objections to certain appointments raise questions of motive and consistency, and stated that the Ministry will not allow personalities, egos, or external pressures to compromise institutional governance.
The Ministry urged federations to act transparently, lawfully, and in the national interest, noting that legal avenues exist if they believe the law has been breached. Constructive engagement with all stakeholders will continue, provided it respects the rule of law, governance processes, and the broader interests of Eswatini’s workers.
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