Being given a challenge to work out, and then providing an effective solution for it, is what I enjoy most about my job. Based in Ezulwini and with operations all over the country, Eswatini Water Services Corporation is responsible for the provision of water and waste water services. Ageing infrastructure and low revenue collection rates are major challenges for the utility.
First as the company’s audit manager and later as its finance manager, I identified the risks that management needed to address and suggested policy changes to reduce the risk exposure. I also created a long-term financial forecast for the business, to understand the potential financial impact of various remediation strategies.
To ensure business sustainability, I leveraged the financial experience I’d previously acquired while working for Eswatini Bank and PwC Eswatini. I used that knowledge to set up control systems to address any gaps, and to ensure timely reporting. These process improvements have underpinned efficiency gains and driven up the revenue collection rate from 83% in 2022 to 102% in 2024. This speaks to the inefficiencies we had in revenue collection, where we had increased expected credit losses due to delinquent accounts.
Decisions we make have benefits for future generations
Since then, I’ve moved into customer management. Currently I’m responsible for marketing, customer strategy, group accounts and billing. As a centre of excellence in revenue management, I still rely on my ACCA qualification for purposes of revenue recognition and handling of the expected credit losses (ECL) in line with IFRS Standards.
Serving the public good directly is one of the big rewards of working in public sector finance. I like contributing to programmes that have a tangible impact on society. As finance processionals we contribute to reforms shaping the future of the society and deliver innovations that will drive digital transformations and financial transparency. It is satisfying to think that the decisions we make have long-term benefits for communities and future generations. The public sector also provides a supportive work environment that fosters diversity and inclusion, which appeals to my values.
My watchword is: life is what you make it. I have actively created my own life through my choices and actions – it is not the result of fate.
I am passionate about creating income-generating initiatives
If I had law-making powers, I would guarantee access to free quality education from early childhood right through to tertiary education. Schools would also be expected to accommodate children with disabilities and from marginalised communities, creating a more equal society. Children should be given opportunities to develop skills beyond academic education, including arts, sports and life skills, which will foster well-rounded personal growth.
My biggest achievement is becoming a member of ACCA. It has opened up opportunities that I would not otherwise have had. I am now doing my MBA.
If I wasn’t in finance, I’d have been an entrepreneur. I am passionate about creating income-generating initiatives on the side, so I don’t rely on just one source of income. I have a smallholding on which I raise livestock and grow vegetables for small gains and am looking into commercialising the livestock part at some point. When I am not at work I find enjoyment working on my farm.
