Senators Question Eswatini's Asset Declaration Law for Public Officials

Eswatini's Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration/Integrity faced tough questions from senators during a recent workshop on asset declaration for parliamentarians. The exercise, mandated by Section 241 of the Constitution, requires the prime minister and those in leadership positions to declare their also, assets and liabilities. However, senators raised concerns about the narrow scope of the law.

Why this matters: The debate over asset declaration laws has significant implications for transparency and accountability in government, and could have a ripple effect on anti-corruption efforts in Eswatini and beyond. Strengthening these laws could help to curb corruption and promote good governance, ultimately benefiting citizens and promoting economic development.

During the workshop, senators questioned why only parliamentarians are required to declare their assets and liabilities, arguing that the net should be cast wider to include civil servants who may be exposed to corrupt practices. "Why are we the only ones who have to declare assets?" asked one senator. Another, Senator Isaac Magagula, pointedly inquired, "I can see you are saying that by law, as provided in the Constitution, certain categories of people have to declare, including us as senators. How wide or narrow is the net? Kushokutsi letigebengu ngulaba labalapha? Do you mean crooks are only here?"

Senators expressed concern about the accumulation of wealth by public officials that goes unaccounted for in Eswatini. "There is so much accumulation of wealth mainly by public officials that is not accounted for in this country. There is no accountability at all," stated Senator Tony Sibandze. Senator Chief Mvimbi Matse added, "If the wealth of civil servants who are very rich could be accounted for, then government and the nation at large could benefit."

The commission's officials, including Deputy Commissioner Duduzile Nhlengetfwa, Acting Executive Secretary Nelisiwe Zwane, and Armstrong, were present at the workshop to educate senators on the process and purpose of declaring assets. The exercise is conducted when public officers enter Parliament, repeated after two years, and again when they leave office.

In response to the senators' questions and concerns, Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini suggested that they could put forward a motion directed to the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. The deputy commissioner also assured the senators that the commission would consider expanding the scope of asset declaration to include more public officials in the future.

The pointed questioning by senators underscores growing concerns in Eswatini about corruption and the need for greater transparency and accountability among all public servants, not just parliamentarians. As Senator Sibandze noted, unchecked accumulation of wealth by officials remains a significant issue in the country. The commission's openness to reviewing the scope of asset declaration requirements offers some hope that Eswatini may strengthen its anti-corruption measures in the years ahead.

Key Takeaways

• Eswatini's senators question narrow scope of asset declaration law.
• Law only requires parliamentarians to declare assets, not civil servants.
• Senators concerned about unaccounted wealth accumulation by public officials.
• Commission open to expanding asset declaration to include more officials.
• Strengthening asset declaration laws could curb corruption in Eswatini.