Lobamba: House of Assembly Chamber, 16 October, 2025
The Ministry of Health has pledged to strengthen laws and enforcement mechanisms targeting suppliers who repeatedly deliver goods late or with incomplete orders. This assurance was made by the Ministry’s Under Secretary, Mr. Anthony Masilela, during the Ministry’s appearance before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on its second day of hearings. Mr. Masilela stated that the Ministry recognizes the negative impact of supplier inefficiencies on service delivery, particularly in the health sector where timely provision of medical supplies is critical. He emphasized that the Ministry is working to ensure that procurement processes are not only transparent but also hold contractors accountable for consistent underperformance.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Health appearing before the Public Accounts Committee.
Chairperson of the PAC Hon. Madala Mhlanga (C) going through the Compliance Audit Report
The commitment came in response to concerns raised by Members of Parliament, including Hon. Bhekibandla Vilakati of Ngwempisi, who urged the committee to adopt a firmer stance against non-compliant suppliers. “We cannot continue to show leniency to suppliers who fail to meet their contractual obligations. Such practices compromise the Ministry’s ability to serve the nation effectively,” he noted.
Echoing this sentiment, Hon. Tsembeni Magongo questioned the Ministry’s continued engagement with companies that have repeatedly failed to deliver. “Why does the Ministry continue awarding tenders to the same incompetent suppliers, expecting different results?” she asked. The session was chaired by the Deputy Speaker Hon. Madala Mhlanga.
A section of the Portfolio Committee Members of the Ministry of Health attentively listening to officials from the Ministry.