Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has urged the 9th NERCHA council to thrive for excellency, growth and sustainability.
The Prime Minister made these remarks during the official introduction to staff of the 9th NERCHA council where he was represented by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development. The minister stated that there are three things that the premier urged to emphasise as he introduced the new NERCHA Council to staff.
Firstly, that NERCHA must demonstrate excellence in relationships, timelines, financial accountability and daily operations and the excellency should be practised in the operations of the organisation.
“Secondly the prime minister wants to see NERCHA grow. We know that the organisation has its basic mandate from the founding legislation, but it is okay to be innovative and grow the business of NERCHA to the extent that of the organisation sees that there are other things it can do or take on board to assist government to improve the livelihood of Emaswati, doing them within the ambit of the law of course, we do things like that. This growth requires creativity in the organisation handles its business” the minister said on behalf of the prime minister.
Thirdly, he premier urged the NERCHA to ensure that whatever it does is embedded on sustainability rather than doing things that are short term that will create an impression and die down once people are used to them, yet they had been started in a positive manner and marketed. He said all initiatives that the organisation undertakes must have a sustainability component so that whatever is started is not cut short along the way.
On behalf of the premier, the minister congratulated the new council members on their appointment. “ NERCHA is in good hands,” he affirmed, urging staff to uphold respect for established structures and leadership. Quoting Scripture, he said, “respect those who must be respected,” underscoring the importance of discipline and mutual respect in ensuring institutional effectiveness.
He also highlighted the evolving global development landscape, noting the shift from a singular focus on HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria to a broader, integrated agenda that includes climate change and environmental issues. “The world has shifted; therefore, we too must shift if we are to remain effective in our mission,” he urged.
Addressing issues of governance, the he reminded staff of the importance of integrity and accountability in daily operations. “If you perform your tasks corruption-free, you are helping the Council succeed in its mandate,” he said, adding that corruption often manifests at the operational level.
He commended NERCHA for its leadership in advancing Eswatini’s HIV response, noting that the country’s impressive achievements, including meeting the Global 95-95-95 targets which are a direct result of the institution’s commitment and hard work. “It is not angels who achieved this but people, the hardworking team at NERCHA,” he remarked.
He encouraged the Council to prioritize staff welfare and resource mobilization, urging creativity in exploring new funding opportunities to sustain the national response. Maphalala added that the premier is looking forward to a health NERCHA in a foreseeable period.
Chairperson of the council Ntsika Fakudze explained to the NERCHA staff that they have not come to sort anything or anyone out but they have come to support them in their work and if they all put in the same direction they will succeed.
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