GOVERNMENT has assured suppliers that all outstanding payments will be settled in full by January, following improved cash flow expected from new loans and increased revenue collection.
Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg made the assurance during the Ministry of Finance in Focus briefing yesterday. He said government was confident that its financial position would improve significantly over the coming weeks, allowing it to clear supplier arrears.
“As we have been promising, we are really hoping to get our cash flow sorted out during this period,” said Rijkenberg.
The minister revealed that government had secured two major loans to ease the cash flow pressure. One loan, amounting to US$47.5 million, was obtained from the African Development Bank, while another US$50 million was secured from the OPEC Fund. He said the African Development Bank funds were expected to be received within the next week.
“That money should be flowing in soon and it will give a lot of relief to the government cash flow system,” he said.
Rijkenberg also pointed out that December was usually a strong month for tax collection. He explained that government typically raised about half a billion Emalangeni more in tax revenue during this period, which would further improve the financial situation.
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Looking ahead to January, the minister said additional relief would come from Southern African Customs Union (SACU) receipts, which were expected in the first week of the New Year. He added that the OPEC Fund payment was also expected sometime in January.
“Between all of these, we absolutely foresee that we are going to be able to settle suppliers 100% and really get the government cash flow back on track, as it should be,” he said.
Rijkenberg said government believed the situation would be much improved within the next month.
He reassured suppliers that plans were in place and progress was being made to ensure stability and timely payments going forward.
Revenue payments now available at Manzini, Mbabane Post Offices
Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg has announced that members of the public can now make government revenue payments at selected post offices, starting with Manzini and Mbabane.
The move is part of an ongoing transition aimed at improving accessibility and easing pressure on traditional revenue offices, especially during this busy time of the year.
The minister said revenue offices usually experienced heavy congestion towards the end of the year, prompting government to accelerate plans to transfer revenue collection functions to the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS). As part of this process, ERS is taking over operations previously handled by government revenue offices.
He explained that ERS had entered into an agreement with the Eswatini Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (EPTC) to use post offices as revenue payment centres. This arrangement will see post offices gradually assume the role of revenue offices across the country.
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“We are currently in a transition phase where some post offices are opening on a consistent basis to accommodate people who need to pay revenue-related charges. As with any new system, we have experienced some glitches,” said Rijkenberg.
He acknowledged reports of isolated cases where receipts issued at post offices were not immediately recognised elsewhere. However, he assured the public that these were teething problems typical of a new system and had since been resolved.
“What we can announce with confidence is that both the Manzini and Mbabane post offices are now fully open for revenue payments. Anyone who needs to pay revenue can do so at these two post offices,” he said.
The minister added that the rollout would continue, with more post offices expected to offer revenue services in the coming weeks. Government will announce weekly which additional post offices are ready to handle revenue payments.
Once the post offices are fully operational and systems stabilised, government will begin systematically shutting down old revenue offices.
Rijkenberg said the new approach was expected to significantly improve accessibility and decentralise revenue services, making them faster and more convenient for the public.
He also highlighted government’s push towards digital payments, encouraging citizens to use electronic platforms where possible.
“More and more people will not need to stand in queues. Payments can be made directly from a cellphone, laptop or other digital device,” he said.
The minister concluded by saying the transition process was ongoing and that within the next few months government expected to have fully migrated to the new, more efficient revenue collection system.
Minister urges citizens to plan school fees ahead of January
Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg has urged citizens to plan ahead for school fees and avoid leaving payments for January, a period often associated with financial pressure.
Speaking ahead of the festive season, the minister advised families to manage December income wisely.
“If one can, leaving school fees for January is normally not smart,” he said.
He encouraged parents and guardians to allocate a portion of December salaries, including 13th cheques or Christmas bonuses, towards school fees.
The minister stressed that early planning would help avoid financial strain in January, preventing households from resorting to loans or unnecessary financial distress.
“January comes with its own problems, and planning in December can ease the pressure significantly,” Rijkenberg said.
He reminded citizens that responsible financial management during the festive season ensures a smoother start to the New Year.
