Africa-Press – Eswatini. In the quest to ensure dedication to transparency and participatory governance, Parliament has called upon members of the public to share their views on the proposed Leadership Code of Conduct Bill of 2025, which proposes that public officials should not receive gifts above E5000 and the conversion of ENPF to Eswatini National Pension Fund.
The conversion of the Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) is contained in the Eswatini National Pension Fund Bill of 2025.
The call, which has been communicated by Clerk to Parliament Benedict Xaba, follows recent wide-ranging stakeholder engagements where a strong recommendation was made that,
in the spirit of zero tolerance in the fight against corruption, pastors should also be compelled not to receive gifts above E5000 either from congregants, businesses, or individuals. There have also been mixed reactions from various stakeholders on the conversion of ENPF to the Eswatini National Pension Fund.
It has been explained by ENPF Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Futhi Tembe, that the conversion was a progressive step aimed at creating a more equitable society. She said the new pension system would not only include employees in the formal sector but also extend to workers in the informal economy and domestic workers who have long been excluded from such systems.
The CEO stated that this would broaden the fund’s scope, marking a pivotal moment for social security in Eswatini.
One of the key highlights of the conversion was the shift from the lump-sum payments offered under the provident fund to monthly pensions for retirees.
ENPF explained that currently, when workers retire, they are provided with a lump sum, which could quickly run out, leaving them vulnerable to financial insecurity.
However, with the new pension system, retirees would receive consistent monthly payments, ensuring they have a steady source of income to support them throughout their retirement years.
“This shift addresses the issue of income security, a challenge that many retirees face after leaving the workforce,” ENPF explained.
On another note, it has also been emphasised by stakeholders that it would be important for pastors as well to be incorporated in the list of public officials bound by the Leadership Code of Conduct Bill of 2025.
In terms of the legislation, public officials include Members of Parliament (MPs), Royal Trustees, executive leadership of all institutions that receive government subvention, and regional administrators.
Other public officials who will not be expected to accept gifts or benefits that may influence their duties include school principals and their deputies, and lawyers affiliated with the Law Society of Eswatini.
Xaba explained that the bills are being reviewed by the House of Assembly and the House of Senate.
The leadership code of conduct stipulates that a public official shall not receive any gift or benefit or hospitality in kind of the value of E5,000.
The legislation stipulates that a gift or donation to a public official on any public or ceremonial occasion, or commission to a public official on any transaction, would be treated as a gift or donation or commission to the government or institution represented by that public official, and such donation is to be declared to the commission or institution concerned.
The commission shall keep an inventory of any gift.
“Where a public official is in doubt as to the need for a declaration or the appropriateness of accepting an offer of a gift, hospitality, or other benefit, that public official shall consult the Commission for advice.
The minister may, from time to time, prescribe the type, value of the gifts, donations, or benefits in kind. A public official who fails to comply with the provisions of this section contravenes this code and is liable to forfeit the benefit equivalent to the gift, hospitality, or benefit to the government or institution, and shall stand warned; or (b) be warned in writing,” reads the act in part.
The Clerk to Parliament announced that the public would be allowed to submit their views in writing or orally. He mentioned that those interested in making oral submissions should notify the designated Parliament Portfolio Committee Clerks on or before September 12, 2025.
Director of Communications at the Anti-Corruption Commission, Jabu Phakathi, recently called for zero tolerance towards any form of corruption. He warned that allowing any form of gift would be tantamount to acknowledging that corruption exists in the kingdom.
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