After over a decade of determined lobbying, courtroom battles, and relentless marching by junior security officers, government has revealed that they will implement Phase II of the long-delayed salary restructuring.
It all began in 2014 after the implementation of the first phase of the restructuring programme for police and correctional services officers.
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Phase I was introduced through Circular No.1 of 2014, promising improved remuneration for junior officers. But while senior ranks benefited from Phase I, Phase II was quietly shelved, leaving thousands of entry-level officers without the salary adjustments they had been promised.
For years, junior officers have been appealing to government for improved salaries until yesterday when Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini announced at a press briefing that the adjustments will be implemented next month. The premier announced the signing of the collective agreement.
Salary Increment Details
It provides for the implementation of a 3% salary increase:
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Lowest ranked junior officer: salary increase of E315 per month.
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Highest ranked junior officer: salary increase of E576 per month.
Based on the 2024/25 Government Establishment Register:
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Lowest ranked junior officer: E7 548 lump sum backdated 24 months.
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Highest ranked junior officer: E13 828 lump sum backdated 24 months.
Professional Adjustments
Government will also pay professional adjustments for inspectors, assistant superintendent and superintendent ranks:
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Inspector: E37 638 – E40 850 (once-off back pay)
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Assistant Superintendent: E47 297 – E51 683
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Superintendent: E59 435 – E64 945
This applies to junior officers from both the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) and His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS).
Salary Structures
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Constable (lowest notch): E125 807 annual / E10 484 monthly.
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Constable (highest notch): E164 154 annual / E13 680 monthly.
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Cadet Sergeant (lowest notch): E169 351 annual / E14 113 monthly.
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Cadet Sergeant (highest notch): E196 319 annual / E16 360 monthly.
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Assistant Inspector (highest junior rank): E225 964 annual / E18 830 monthly.
Government Spending & Impact
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13 119 officers affected.
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E171 million annually for restructured salaries.
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Back pay for a maximum of 24 months for functional officers not benefiting from professional adjustments.
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952 officers in higher ranks to benefit from E57 million allocation for alignment and back pay.
Final Settlement
Following negotiations between the Ministry of Public Service and staff associations from REPS and HMCS, a collective agreement was signed on Monday evening.
The agreement is binding on all parties and resolves all outstanding issues relating to Phase II salary adjustments.
Implementation date: September.
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