Africa-Press – Eswatini. Inkhosikati LaMatsebula has delivered a powerful call for accountability and ethical leadership, urging the government, Parliament, and institutions to take firm action against what she described as “corrupt thieves” sabotaging the health sector and public services.
She was speaking during the launch of the Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan, held on July 14, 2025, at Happy Valley Hotel.
While commending the Minister of Health’s efforts to improve service delivery, she lamented that progress is being obstructed by corruption.
“He would be three times ahead if it weren’t for these corrupt thieves,” she said, highlighting the theft of essential medication meant for patients.
She raised concerns about how drugs delivered to hospitals mysteriously disappear before reaching patients, leaving vulnerable individuals without treatment.
“These thieves don’t just steal medication; they also confuse our minds,” she said, referencing an incident where expired drugs were delivered to a facility. “Who ordered or received these expired drugs? That alone is corruption,” she emphasized.
Inkhosikati called on workers across ministries and the private sector to take full responsibility and uphold ethical standards. Recalling a troubling encounter, she said someone once asked her to apologise on their behalf after joking that a supervisor’s bag “comes empty but leaves full.”
“The supervisor who leaves with a full bag is a corrupt thief. What’s inside that bag?” she asked.
“I am pleading with ministries and Parliament to enact strong laws that will hold these corrupt thieves accountable,” she urged. “Leadership must be exercised without fear or favour.”
She also questioned the rapid rise of urban pharmacies and their sources of stock.
“You’d be shocked to learn that some pharmacies get their medicines from hospitals,” she revealed. “Where are the Heads of Administration? Where are the laws?”
Inkhosikati challenged hospital administrators to act decisively and enforce rules without fear, even when the wrongdoers are well-connected.
“We must stop protecting wrongdoers simply because they are children or friends of high-ranking officials,” she said.
She further criticised individuals who use political connections to secure jobs but fail to deliver once appointed.
“They tarnish the image of those they represent, and this must end.”
Finally, she questioned the lack of visible disciplinary measures in public institutions.
“Where are the warning letters that lead to dismissals when someone crosses the line? Some people want to be paid for doing nothing. These are corrupt thieves, too.”
Her remarks serve as a strong and timely call for ethical governance, transparency, and urgent reform to protect public services from corruption and inefficiency.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
