Mbabane – Minister of Labour and Social Security Phila Buthelezi has warned that entrenched corruption and weak oversight in government outsourcing are leaving vulnerable Emaswati at a disadvantage, according to a report by the Eswatini Observer.
During the 2025/26 annual performance debate before the parliamentary portfolio committee, Buthelezi focused on the private security sector, describing it as rife with temporary, underpaid employment and regulatory gaps. He said responsibility for regulating the sector falls under the Prime Minister’s Office, but urged urgent reforms.
“The situation on the ground is not right,” he told lawmakers, noting that unethical practices are harming both workers and ethical businesses. He said some companies secure contracts while failing to comply with minimum wage and operational standards. 
Buthelezi gave an example: a security firm offering 10 officers for E25 000 a month would not even cover basic wages, yet such companies continue to win government contracts. “So how do such companies get these tenders? And somehow such are the ones that seem to thrive,” he said.
The minister also alleged that corruption influences procurement decisions. “Those companies that do not even pay their employees well are often the ones who win tenders because they are the lowest bidders. But also, there are officials in the tender board who benefit from the process through kickbacks,” he said.
He criticised short-term contracts, arguing they make it impossible for service providers to operate sustainably. “You cannot award a six-month contract where companies must also invest in uniforms and equipment. The contract ends before they even recover their costs. But unscrupulous officials behind the tenders do not care about this, as long as they get their 10%,” he added.
Buthelezi said some officials profit from outsourcing, creating a cycle where workers face low wages and poor conditions. He urged ministries to work together to curb exploitation, stressing that the Ministry of Labour can only do so much. “Let us not be part of those who are contributing to the suffering of Emaswati, it is very wrong,” he said.
The minister also raised concerns about the lack of formal regulation in the security industry. He said proposals to establish training institutions for guards would fail without legal backing. “Unless a law is introduced requiring formal training before employment, few will see the need to attend such institutions,” he said.
While acknowledging efforts by companies offering in-house training, Buthelezi insisted that voluntary compliance alone is insufficient. “It has to be made law that no one can be hired as security personnel without undergoing proper training,” he added.
