EZULWINI – Eswatini’s Minister of Labour and Social Security Phila Buthelezi inaugurated the new scholarship selection board at the SibaneSami Hotel, assigning them the goal of rooting out corruption.
Forming the committee are Brian Vilakati, re-appointed chairperson; Musa Dlamini; Sandile Nkosinathi Nxumalo; Jabulani Mavuso; Xolile Mkhonta; Annelisa Stoffels; Mandla Dlamini; Sindisiwe Dube; Sifisosethu Bhembe; and Wandile Mkhabela, while Nqobile Dlamini and Ngucuko Dlamini are secretariat members.
The committee, appointed in terms of Legal Notice No. 96 of 2026 of the Commissions of Enquiry Act of 1963, has six weeks to present a report to the minister of their recommendations. 
The committee is responsible for interviewing, selecting, and recommending suitable candidates for government study loans in the academic year 2026/27. The government-authorised list and tertiary institutions’ absorption are limited by the approved budget ceiling.
Buthelezi asked the committee to restore public trust in their administrative tasks, stressing that they should conduct themselves with honesty, transparency, dedication, and integrity.
He told them to be accountable to the government and the nation, underlining that their major role is to pick qualified students to benefit from the scholarship program while avoiding fraudulent activities.
Allegations of scamming scholarship applicants and corruption concern the minister, who urges vigilance and collaboration with relevant authorities.
He emphasised the need of distributing scholarships on schedule and providing applicants with feedback on their prospects.
Vilakati, the committee’s chairperson, promised to begin their mandate immediately, working relentlessly to guarantee that all scholarship applications are handled on schedule.
