Lobamba – Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Hon. Bongani Nzima has warned against individuals associated with the past problems at the Eswatini Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (EPTC) returning to influence the corporation.
Nzima issued the warning during parliamentary debate on EPTC, shortly after the House approved the Government Guarantee for a US$26 million (about E455 million) World Bank loan for the corporation.
“We know those who collapsed EPTC years ago,” Nzima said, calling for such individuals to stay away from the corporation.
He said government did not want to see a repeat of the circumstances that had previously contributed to EPTC’s problems, particularly now that the corporation was receiving major financial support.
The warning comes against the backdrop of parliamentary scrutiny of EPTC’s governance, procurement and financial affairs. A parliamentary Select Committee had previously investigated the corporation’s restructuring, including concerns over procurement procedures and the possible impact of restructuring on employees.
Among the issues raised in the investigations were alleged procurement irregularities, including concerns over single-source procurement and trips reportedly sponsored by suppliers. Questions were also raised over the transfer of EPTC land without the required approval.
The corporation’s treatment of employees also came under scrutiny during the debate.
Minister for Public Service Mabulala Maseko raised concerns over employees who had allegedly been threatened with possible job losses.
Maseko said some employees had approached the Ministry of Public Service after allegedly being threatened, despite having worked for EPTC for decades.
He therefore sought an assurance that these employees would not be retrenched as the corporation moves forward following the approval of the loan.
The concerns come after Parliament had previously scrutinised EPTC’s restructuring and its potential impact on permanent, contract and temporary employees.
The approval of the E455 million loan guarantee now clears the way for EPTC to access the financing, placing renewed focus on how the corporation will use the funds and whether the reforms accompanying the financial support will address the governance and management concerns previously raised.
MPs have repeatedly questioned EPTC’s financial position and the circumstances that led to the corporation requiring substantial financial support.
The latest warning from Nzima therefore puts the spotlight not only on the approved financing, but also on who will be entrusted with steering EPTC as it seeks to rebuild its operations and financial position.
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