Africa-Press – Eswatini. These were the words of Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini last night as he challenged accountants and auditors to take the lead in rebuilding public confidence.
Speaking at the Eswatini Institute of Accountants (ESIA) Annual Dinner and Graduation Ceremony, held under the theme “Bridging the Trust Deficit: The Role of Leaders in Rebuilding Public Confidence,” the PM described accountants as society’s guardians of fairness and integrity.
“The work of accountants underpins financial stability and trust in institutions. To bridge the trust deficit, we must embody the values we champion, acting with integrity even when it is difficult, communicating with honesty even when the truth is uncomfortable, and always prioritising the public interest above all else,” he said.
Dlamini warned that entrenched corruption was crippling government’s ability to deliver on its mandate, adding that the accounting profession must be fearless in confronting unethical behaviour.
“Government is under siege by corruption. We must build a new culture of zero tolerance,” he said.
The Prime Minister urged all accounting professionals to register with ESIA, noting that membership strengthened credibility and connected them to a global network of excellence.
He encouraged graduates to carry the torch of integrity into their careers.
“Graduation is a beginning, not an end. As you join this noble profession, uphold integrity, embrace accountability, and champion excellence,” he told the new accountants.
The night, hosted at Esibayeni Lodge in Matsapha, was filled with elegance, inspiration, and thought-provoking speeches.
Former South African Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng delivered a fiery keynote, declaring boldly, “My soul is not for sale,” as he warned against corruption and unethical leadership.
Former Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Apostle David Matse had the honour of introducing Mogoeng, describing his rich professional journey as a blueprint of principled leadership.
The Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF), which attended the dinner, praised the event as “highly insightful.” In a statement, ENPF noted: “While we celebrate the newly qualified accountants, we hope our team members were inspired to pursue and achieve this prestigious qualification in the future.”
The ceremony concluded with the Prime Minister awarding certificates to graduates, affirming their new roles as the country’s guardians of public trust.
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