PRIME Minister Russell Dlamini has appointed a five-member Commission of Inquiry to investigate the affairs of the Eswatini Christian Medical University (EMCU), following months of concern over the institution’s administration.
Addressing the media during a press conference at the Cabinet Offices in Mbabane yesterday, Dlamini said government was acting to uphold the highest standards of accountability, transparency and good governance in public institutions.
“The nation will be aware of the challenges currently facing the Eswatini Christian Medical University,” the PM said.
“In recent months, concerns have emerged regarding the institution’s administration, including allegations relating to the management of its financial and operational affairs.”
Invoking Section 3 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1963, the prime minister announced the establishment of a commission mandated to probe allegations of impropriety, maladministration, misconduct, fraud and malpractice at EMCU.
The inquiry will also examine claims of abuse of authority, dishonesty, collusion, conflicts of interest, governance deficiencies and non-compliance with policies and regulatory requirements.
He announced that Mbuso Simelane would lead the commission as chairperson and that he would be deputised by Setsabile Matsebula-Khumalo.
Other members are Mangaliso Magagula and Lunga Dlamini, with Hlobsile Ndzimandze serving as Secretary.
The commission will be based at EMCU for four weeks, during which it is expected to conduct investigations and submit its findings and recommendations to government.
Beyond investigating specific allegations, the commission will identify any systemic weaknesses that may have contributed to the challenges experienced by the institution and make recommendations aimed at strengthening governance, accountability and institutional effectiveness.
Dlamini said the exercise is intended to establish the facts, safeguard the integrity of the institution and ensure that appropriate corrective measures are taken where necessary in the interest of students, staff, stakeholders and the country at large.
EMCU is one of the country’s public enterprises under the Ministry of Education and Training.
The PM clarified that the committee was expected to present its report in a month’s time.
The new commission has been established to do a similar investigation as one that was assigned to a Parliament select committee of legislators led by Kubuta MP Masiphula Mamba.
THE COMMITTEE
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Mbuso Simelane – Chairperson
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Setsabile Matsebula-Khumalo – Vice Chairperson
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Hlobsile Ndzimandze – Secretary
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Mangaliso Magagula – Member
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Lunga Dlamini – Member
