By Sizwe Dlamini
The Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg, has unveiled the newly appointed Board of the Eswatini Public Procurement Regulatory Agency (ESPPRA). This took place in the ESPPRA conference room earlier today.
The unveiling of the board followed a significant seven-month delay, which the Minister attributed to a shortage of individuals qualified in public procurement within the kingdom. The previous board began operations in 2021 and left office on April 30, 2024.
The newly appointed board will be chaired by Sabela Dlamini and includes board members Wellington Motsa, Nakakelo Ginindza, Albert Mhlanga, and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ESPPRA, Vusi Matsebula.
In his remarks, the Minister emphasized that the role of the board is crucial in stimulating the economy through strategic procurement that supports local enterprises and promotes innovation within the private sector.
By fostering competition and encouraging diverse participation, the board aims to contribute to the development of Eswatini.
Rijkenberg expressed a deep sense of responsibility in introducing the new board and highlighted the importance of ESPPRA, which was established under the Public Procurement Act of 2011, with the mandate to regulate and promote public procurement practices in Eswatini.
He noted that this moment is significant as it reflects the country’s commitment to ensuring that public procurement serves the people most productively.
The Minister outlined the critical responsibilities of the ESPPRA board, which include providing policy oversight, ensuring that procurement policies align with best practices, promoting fairness, and maintaining integrity in the procurement process. He emphasized that good governance is essential for building public trust and ensuring accountability in the management of public resources.
Furthermore, the Minister took the opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of the previous board, led by Harry Nxumalo, and expressed gratitude for their contributions. He concluded his remarks by thanking the new board members for accepting the responsibility, recognizing their expertise and commitment to strengthening the country’s public procurement system.
Rijkenberg called on all stakeholders, including the private sector, to support the board in its efforts to maintain the highest standards of governance and work towards a prosperous and accountable future for Eswatini.