The Ministry of Education and Training has encouraged parents to utilise online and electronic platforms to pay school fees, citing persistent rains that have continued to disrupt movement and access to schools, banks and other public facilities across the country.
The call was made by the Under Secretary for Schools Management, Lungelo Nhlengetfwa, who said digital payment methods provide a safer, faster and more efficient alternative during the current rainy conditions.
He explained that most commercial banks now offer mobile and online banking services that allow parents to complete school fee payments within minutes, without the need to travel long distances or stand in queues.
Nhlengetfwa emphasised that the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in school fee payments aligns with existing financial regulations and improves accountability.
He reiterated that standard procedure requires parents to deposit fees directly into official school bank accounts, rather than making cash payments on school premises.
“Electronic payments also help schools reconcile accounts more efficiently and prepare adequately for the upcoming academic term,” he said.
He further noted that the adoption of online payments would help parents avoid the recent long queues at banks and retail outlets, particularly in urban areas. With some roads damaged or flooded due to persistent rains, unnecessary travel poses both safety and financial risks.
According to Nhlengetfwa, digital-based payment systems have proven to be a practical solution in navigating the challenges brought about by the current weather conditions.
He said the ministry views digital payments as an important tool in ensuring continuity and preparedness ahead of the reopening of schools.
Echoing these sentiments, Eswatini Principals Association (EPA) president Armstrong Dlamini also appealed to parents to embrace electronic payment methods.
He said principals were concerned about parents delaying payments due to transport challenges, which in turn affected school planning and the procurement of learning materials.
However, both Nhlengetfwa and Dlamini clarified that mobile money platforms have not yet been fully finalised for school fee payments. Parents were therefore advised to continue using bank-based electronic services such as mobile banking applications, internet banking and ATM deposits.
Nhlengetfwa also acknowledged that the ongoing rains have disrupted the distribution of textbooks, stationery and food supplies to schools in some parts of the country.
Despite these setbacks, he expressed optimism that conditions would improve, allowing government to speed up road repairs and logistics.
