By Phiwa Sikhondze
In a significant step towards improving the management of educational resources in the country, the Eswatini Public Procurement Regulatory Agency (ESPPRA) has partnered with the Ministry of Education to host a specialized training workshop for school principals.
The workshop held at Esibayeni Lodge today aimed to deepen the principals’ understanding of public procurement processes and their impact on the education system.
The workshop brought together school leaders from across the country to address the challenges and opportunities associated with procurement in educational institutions.
The CEO of ESPPRA, Vusi Matsebula, in his remarks, highlighted the critical role that efficient procurement plays in ensuring that schools have the necessary materials, infrastructure, and support to provide a conducive learning environment.
Key facilitators of the workshop, Veli Ngwenya, and Thulile Sifundza, brought a wealth of experience in public procurement, guiding the school leaders through the intricacies of the procurement process.
Reflecting on Eswatini’s historical reputation for having one of the best education systems in the region, the CEO reminded participants that this success was not just due to dedicated teachers but also to the effective management of resources. However, the CEO emphasized that maintaining and enhancing this legacy requires a renewed focus on procurement practices.
“The management of resources in our schools directly impacts the quality of education our children receive. Public procurement, when executed effectively, ensures that our schools are well-equipped and can provide an environment where students can thrive,” he said.
The partnership between ESPPRA and the Ministry of Education is seen as a crucial step in addressing the challenges that schools face in procurement.
The CEO noted that these challenges stem not only from financial constraints but also from a lack of understanding of procurement procedures among school administrators.
“Your insights and experiences as school principals are invaluable. This workshop is designed not only to enhance your understanding of procurement processes but also to empower you to advocate for transparency and accountability in how resources are allocated and managed in your schools,” the CEO told the attendees.
A key component of the workshop was the exploration of best practices in public procurement. Participants were encouraged to share their experiences and discuss how they could apply what they learned to improve procurement processes in their respective schools.
The CEO also stressed the importance of engaging with local suppliers, which not only supports local businesses but also ensures that procurement processes are fair and beneficial to the community.
“With your involvement, we can foster a culture of responsibility and integrity in procurement, ultimately leading to improved educational outcomes for our students. Your leadership is essential as we work together to build a more efficient and effective procurement system,” Matsebula stated.