Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg, has urged emaSwati to publicly expose individuals involved in corrupt activities, arguing that social accountability can be a powerful tool in the fight against corruption.
Speaking during the post-budget seminar organised by the Central Bank of Eswatini in Mbabane, Rijkenberg encouraged citizens to play an active role in identifying and confronting corrupt practices.
The Minister said corruption can thrive when individuals remain silent or choose not to challenge wrongdoing.
“If someone is doing corrupt acts, let us shame them,” he said.
Rijkenberg suggested that public exposure could serve as a deterrent, particularly in a small society where reputation and public trust play a significant role in professional and social life.
“In a small society like ours, public shame is a powerful thing,” he said.
The Minister acknowledged that corruption remains a concern in many institutions, but he cautioned against assuming that it is as widespread as often perceived. He stressed that building a culture of accountability requires cooperation between government institutions and the public.
Rijkenberg encouraged citizens to document instances of corruption and ensure that those responsible are held accountable through both public and legal channels. His remarks come amid ongoing national conversations about transparency, ethical leadership, and good governance within public institutions.
The Minister noted that while government continues to strengthen regulatory and legal frameworks to address corruption, societal attitudes toward integrity also play a critical role. He said communities must collectively reject corrupt behaviour and support efforts to uphold ethical standards in both public and private sectors.