Eswatini minister warns parents to stop spending school fees on gambling
Reports surfaced of parents sharing gambling losses online, including a case where a person gambled away E10,000 (€510) intended for school deposits.
Eswatini.- Eswatini’s Education and Training Minister, Owen Nxumalo, has urged parents to stop spending school fees on gambling, warning that such practices are harming their children’s access to education. The minister spoke out after reports surfaced of parents sharing gambling losses online, including a case where a person gambled away E10,000 (€510) intended for school deposits.
Nxumalo described the pattern as concerning, noting that it leads to students facing interruptions in their education. He said: “Our children should not suffer because of poor financial decisions. School fees are not optional expenses; they are essential to a child’s future.”
The minister added that parents have a duty to protect funds for their children’s schooling, especially as families prepare for the new school year. He advised those in financial difficulty to talk with schools about available options rather than turn to betting. He noted: “Open communication between parents and schools could help prevent learners from being excluded or disadvantaged.”
The issue highlights ongoing challenges with gambling in Eswatini, where financial pressures after the holiday season often push people toward online betting. Local media have reported cases of individuals losing large sums while trying to cover education costs. This reflects a wider problem, with some families using essential funds for wagers in hopes of quick gains, only to face deeper hardship.
Community leaders and organisations have been asked to raise awareness about gambling risks and their effects on family life. Nxumalo stressed the government’s commitment to student well-being and said authorities would work with partners to monitor the situation, promote responsible choices and protect education rights.
The minister’s appeal comes as parliament discusses tighter rules on gambling, including pauses on new licences to address public health concerns. For families affected, the outcome may mean delayed schooling or reliance on aid, underscoring the need for support systems to help parents manage finances without risking their children’s opportunities.
