GOVERNMENT PRESS STATEMENT
NO 05: 2013
JAPANESE MAIZE DONATION
Following unfortunate and misleading reports to the effect that the Swaziland Government illegally sold donated maize meant for communities in drought-stricken areas of the kingdom, we wish to state the following:
- The maize was sold in compliance with the conditions of the donation. The money generated was put aside to assist in developing pro-poor programmes under the Agriculture Sector in agreement with the Japanese Government (donor).
- The spirit was to teach the intended beneficiaries “how to fish” as opposed to receiving perishable hand-outs. The two parties observed that distributing the maize was merely an emergency intervention yet generating income to implement programmes that will address the root causes of poverty and poor productivity is a long term sustainable solution.
- Any funds utilized under this account shall be accounted for to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the account statements are forwarded to JICA on a quarterly basis.
- The consignment amounted to 11, 867.370 tons. The delivery of the donated maize started in October, 2010 and the last consignment was received in January, 2011.
- Selling commenced in June, 2011 through the National Maize Corporation and generated funds were deposited in a counterpart account with the Central Bank of Swaziland known as the Swaziland Government Japanese Food Aid.
- The total amount deposited with the Central Bank was E24, 901,143.35 (twenty four Million nine hundred and one thousand, one hundred and forty three Emalangeni, thirty five cents). According to the agreement this money shall be accessed through making an application to JICA and upon approval funds shall be released for utilization by the same communities for which the maize was intended.
- This is not the first time a similar donation was treated in the same manner. Prior to the maize donation, a consignment of fertilizer donated by the Japanese Government had to be sold in the same spirit and agreement.
- We shall continue to encourage responsible presentation of facts over the temptation to sensationalize in all issues particularly when it relates to our development partners.
Percy N. Simelane 26 March 2012
Government Spokesman