By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE:Auditor General (AG) Timothy Matsebula has released an official request for proposals seeking to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of millions within the Ministry of Labour and Social Security Security being monies paid by South African mining companies as terminal benefits for ex-miners.

It has been disclosed that, the money was paid by South African companies but never reached the beneficiaries who are still alive or children of deceased ex-miners.

“Request for proposals to procure a forensic investigation into financial irregularities and mismanagement of funds for ex-miners in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security,” reads the tender document in part.

Labour and Social Security Minister Phila Buthelezi declined to comment about the disappearance of millions within the Ministry and efforts to reach Auditor General Timothy Matsebula proved unsuccessful at the time of compiling this report.

Reached for comments by this Swaziland News on Friday, Brian Sangweni, the Spokesperson of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), welcomed the investigation saying it will establish facts and/or evidence regarding the disappearance of the millions for ex-miners.

“As PUDEMO, we would ordinarily welcome any process that seeks to genuinely uncovers missing funds and ensures justice for those who have been deprived and in this case the ex‑mine workers of Swaziland, many of whom have already died from poverty and health complications that could have been prevented if their funds had been properly remitted. However, we are deeply skeptical about yet another so‑called forensic investigation under the Tinkhundla system. Time and again the people have been offered audits and reviews that generate false hope while delaying real justice. We have seen reports exposing wrongdoing in the health sector pertaining corruption and tender frauds in the supply of drugs and medical equipment, and as well as the SWEET project, a brainchild of the Queen Mother which conned and deprived our mothers livelihoods. No one has been held accountable,” said the PUDEMO Spokesperson.