The Department of Arts and Culture under the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs has spent 91% of its allocated funds for the current financial year.
According to the ministry’s second quarter performance report (July to September), the department was allocated an annual budget of E14,253,043, of which E7,190,727 had been released by the end of the quarter. Out of this amount, E6,551,100 had been spent as of September 30.
| Eswatini Observer WhatsApp Channel
The report, which provides updates on government programmes and sets priorities for the new financial year announced by Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg in February, highlights how the department has managed its finances with precision and accountability.
Most of the spending was directed toward internal grants, amounting to over E6.3 million. These funds supported various projects and activities within Eswatini’s arts and culture sector.
Also Read: Dr P questions new studio fee model
Personnel costs, including salaries and wages amounted to E162,291, slightly exceeding the budgeted figure by E1,217.
The report also details travel and communication expenses, where E64,000 had been released, but only E29,000 had been spent, leaving E34,684 for future operational needs.
On professional services, the department had a budget of nearly E1.3 million, with over E600,000 released. However, by September, only E42,000 had been spent in this category.
The Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs emphasized that the budget was structured carefully to ensure the department continues to support creative and cultural development sustainably and effectively throughout the year.
Eswatini Observer Press Reader | View Here
