Eswatini MPs demand youth fund accountability
Three ministries must explain how they used money meant for youth empowerment programmes.
Mbabane East Member of Parliament Welcome Dlamini demanded yesterday that three government ministries account for funds allocated to youth empowerment. The ministries of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Economic Planning and Development, and Agriculture are expected to explain their utilisation of resources. Dlamini made the submission during a debate on the Prime Minister’s Office performance reports in the House of Assembly.
Dlamini cited the large turnout for recent police recruitment as evidence of alarming youth unemployment levels. He questioned whether Parliament's approved funds for youth empowerment were yielding desired results. Acting Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla acknowledged the recruitment exercise exposed the scale of unemployment, calling it an eye-opener for government.
The MP invoked the decisive leadership style of the late former Prime Minister Barnabas Dlamini, suggesting he would have demanded accountability and results from ministers responsible for youth programmes. Dlamini clarified his remarks were not a criticism of the current PM but a call for similar decisive action to address the crisis.
Why it mattersEswatini's youth face unemployment, and MPs are questioning how government funds allocated to address this issue are being spent.