The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in Eswatini has refuted allegations of impropriety regarding a E1 million loan from the Mbabane Municipal Council. The loan was for the hosting of the Eswatini Urban Forum, which took place at the Ezulwini Palazzo International Convention Centre. According to Principal Secretary Dr Simon Zwane, the ministry formally requested the funds in writing as a short-term loan to meet immediate logistical requirements.
The allegations, published by an online platform, claimed that the council's Chief Executive Officer and her alleged boyfriend were plotting to steal ratepayers' money and channel it towards the forum. However, Zwane described these claims as false and misleading, arguing that they misrepresented a standard intergovernmental administrative arrangement. He emphasized that the transaction was neither fraudulent nor an unauthorized diversion of ratepayers' money.
Zwane clarified that the ministry's administration arranged the loan to meet immediate logistical requirements for hosting the Eswatini Urban Forum. He assured Mbabane residents and ratepayers that the money would be fully reimbursed to the municipality in accordance with a written agreement. The arrangement was made with the understanding that the ministry would return the funds, ensuring that Mbabane ratepayers did not suffer any financial loss.
The Principal Secretary maintained that the transaction was properly documented, dismissing suggestions that the money had been released through an informal or unauthorized arrangement. According to Zwane, the ministry formally wrote to the council to request the loan before the funds were released. He also stated that there was no phone call between the minister and the Mbabane Municipal Council CEO, emphasizing that the process was handled through official administrative correspondence.
The ministry condemned the portrayal of the transaction as a criminal act, with Zwane stating that they strongly condemn the framing of this legitimate administrative procedure as a criminal act. He rejected the sensationalist and defamatory narrative presented in the article, reiterating the ministry's assurance that the money would be reimbursed as agreed and that the Eswatini Urban Forum would proceed as planned.
The Eswatini Urban Forum proceeded with the funds provided by the Mbabane Municipal Council, and the ministry remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the prudent use of public funds. The forum was held at the Ezulwini Palazzo International Convention Centre, and Zwane assured that all necessary logistical arrangements were made with the loan.
The ministry's response aims to alleviate concerns among Mbabane residents and ratepayers regarding the use of council funds. Key points include the legitimate and documented nature of the loan, the commitment to reimbursing the funds, and the condemnation of misinformation.
Key points
- The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in Eswatini has defended a E1 million loan from Mbabane Municipal Council for the Eswatini Urban Forum.
- The loan was a short-term arrangement to meet immediate logistical requirements for the forum.
- The ministry has assured that the money will be fully reimbursed to the municipality in accordance with a written agreement.
