….. seeks approval of E147 922 826.00
BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE– The Ministry of Home Affairs tabled report has reflected tremendous hard work.
This was revealed in the performance report to the Portfolio Committee, where they were also seeking and debating the approval of their budget.
The Ministry first gave a reasonable explanation as to why their mopping campaign was stalled in the third and fourth quarters due to the exhaustion of resources, unfavorable weather conditions and security threats.
“The start of the Incwala ceremony also meant a halt of the visitations to imiphakatsi to allow participation of Emaswati in the national sacred event. The areas that remain in the Shiselweni and Lubombo regions have been badly affected by the heavy rains,” read the report in part.
By region, four Tinkhundla and 20 umphakatsi are still to be covered in Lubombo and seven Tinkhundla and 36 imiphakatsi in Shiselweni are yet to be covered.
This has been verified by site visits done by the Ministry, the aim was to resume the exercise in mid-February however, due to recent rains, shortage of vehicles and the resource mobilisation process, the process has been further delayed.
However, 7 895 late births have been registered, 4 090 Identity Cards (ID) have been issued, 536 Eswatini law and custom marriages have been registered and 597 manual certificates automated.
The challenges that affected the campaign include a shortage of vehicles and frequent shortages of fuel at CTA.
There have been delays in the payments of stipends due to anomalies in the personnel claims but have since been Civil registered.
“Over and above the mopping the department has been carrying out outreach programmes in the Manzini and Hhohho regions.
“World Vision supported the applicants of late birth registration by paying for their applications in the Tinkhundla we visited under the Manzini region.
“The outreach and participation by development partners are being done to fulfill the SDG Target 16.9 to have 100 percent registration by 2030,” further reads the report.
Meanwhile, in ensuring that Asylum seekers and Refugees are protected in Eswatini, the department works closely with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Eswatini World Vision as an implementing partner.
The focus is to provide holistic protection to Refugees and Asylum Seekers.
The Ministry’s database shows that there are 2 163 registered refugees and asylum seekers in the country.
Whilst the ministry has strengthened the registration process of asylum seekers and refugees, there is a gap in the provision of psycho-social support for the refugees. The budget support from UNHCR has been cut by 54 percent.
Minister of Home Affairs Princess Lindiwe Dlamini then pleads for her budget to be approved, mentioning that she seeks to work for excellence and fulfill the King’s vision.
“Chairperson and the committee at large, I humbly submit this report for consideration and approval of 2023/24 Recurrent Budget projected at E147 922 826
“With your continued support Chairperson, we will continue to work for excellence to fulfill our vision. I thank you,” she said.
