World Bank injects E3 million to revamp collapsing UNESWA through Task Team

by Ncaba Ntshakala

The World Bank has pumped an amount of E3 million to support the work of the UNESWA Task Team, which is a strategic initiative set at revitalizing the decaying University of Eswatini (UNESWA). The announcement was made by Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo on Wednesday, during a press conference held at the University of Eswatini, Kwaluseni Campus main room.

Nxumalo revealed that the Task Team, appointed in June, began its work on Tuesday at UNESWA’s Kwaluseni Campus. The team has been given a deadline to complete its mission by June next year, with an expectation to produce a preliminary report within three months, followed by a comprehensive conclusive report in six months.

The Minister asserted that he set up the Task Team with the powers conferred upon him by Section 3 of the Commissions of Enquiry Act of 1963 through the notice which shall be acted as “The appointment of a Task Team to investigate the state of affairs at the University of Eswatini notice 2024.”

Again, Nxumalo expressed his deep gratitude to the World Bank for their financial assistance, noting that this support is crucial for addressing the concerns raised by the public regarding the state of the country’s premier tertiary institution.

“We are grateful for the World Bank’s involvement, and their commitment to send a team of experts to verify the findings of our Task Team is a testament to the importance of this project,” Nxumalo stated.

The Task Team was appointed on June 17, 2024, at the UNESWA Kwaluseni Campus and it comprises 12 members drawn from various sectors, including the public and private sectors, and parastatals.

The team is led by the well decorated Ubombo Sugar Limited Managing Director Muzi Siyaya, with other members representing organizations such as Eswatini Revenue Service, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, and the University of South Africa (UNISA).

In response to growing public concern over the state of UNESWA, Nxumalo tasked the team with delivering a preliminary report within three months, detailing their initial findings. A conclusive report, containing comprehensive findings and recommendations, is expected after six months.

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The University of Eswatini has been struggling mostly grappling with financial issues. This has escalated and caused the institution to experience late payments of their staff and also have collapsing structures.

The Task Team:

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