Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has issued a stern warning against entrenched corruption in Eswatini’s public institutions, pointing out that such a problem threatens government’s ability to deliver on its mandate. He said this required urgent and decisive action.
The premier was speaking on Thursday night at the Eswatini Institute of Accountants (ESIA) annual dinner and graduation ceremony held at Esibayeni Lodge under the theme: ‘Bridging the Trust Deficit: The Role of Leaders in Rebuilding Public Confidence.’
Dlamini said recent developments and ongoing debates in the public sector had cast serious doubt on the objectivity, integrity and ethical standards of some audit institutions, as well as those leading them. He expressed concern that the competence of key actors in these bodies was increasingly being questioned.
“I am convinced that something must be done and must be done urgently. Government is under siege from a cabal that has spread its appendages in almost all arms of government and ministries. Government will not be able to deliver on its mandate given by the people at Sibaya if entrenched corruption is not dealt with at all levels,” he warned.
The prime minister argued that corruption weakens accountability, drains public resources, and deepens the trust deficit that undermines both governance and development. He warned that unless the scourge was addressed with seriousness, it would continue to compromise the country’s stability and prosperity.
Drawing inspiration from the evening’s keynote address by former South African chief justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, Dlamini called on citizens to play an active role in confronting corruption by boldly exposing those engaged in it.
“Having listened to the brilliant presentation by Mogoeng Mogoeng tonight, I call upon all Emaswati to participate in the fight against corruption by boldly exposing those involved and, in doing so, help government eradicate corruption. We must build a new culture of zero tolerance to corruption,” he said.
Call to Accountants
Turning to the accounting profession, the premier said the ESIA had a duty to lead the fight by holding its membership accountable and challenging unethical conduct where it appeared. He said this was particularly urgent for audit institutions, which should stand as guardians of integrity but had, in some cases, fallen short.
Dlamini said the event’s theme resonated deeply in today’s climate, describing the trust deficit as one of the greatest leadership challenges of the modern era. He noted that this was not unique to Eswatini but a global concern, fuelled by lapses in accountability, ethical breaches, and institutional failures.
“This erosion of trust threatens the stability of our economies and societies,” he said, adding that citizens were increasingly questioning the credibility of governments, corporations, and even regulatory bodies.
He emphasised that leaders bear the responsibility to bridge this gap through actions that demonstrate competence, transparency, and commitment to the public good.
“The ESIA should lead by questioning the lack of integrity and unethical behaviour of its membership and some leaders of audit institutions,” Dlamini said.
The premier stressed that rebuilding public confidence required decisive leadership and unwavering commitment to ethics, urging both government and professional bodies to work with citizens to uproot corruption and restore trust in public systems.
