Public sector union (PSU) leaders were left frustrated and dejected yesterday after being presented with a draft Salary Review Report instead of the anticipated final version.
The unions, which include the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT), Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union (SWADNU), Swaziland National Association of Government Accounting Personnel (SNAGAP), and the National Public Service and Allied Workers Union (NAPSAWU), said the meeting offered no concrete outcomes.
| Eswatini Observer WhatsApp Channel
Draft, Not Final Report
Union leaders explained that they expected details on salary increments, grading changes, and justification for adjustments.
SNAT Secretary General Lot Vilakati said:
“We wanted to know, from the current grades and pay scales, who got an increase or a decrease.”
Instead, consultants presented five cost scenarios for government if salaries were reviewed, ranging between:
-
E500 million
-
E600 million
-
E1.1 billion
-
E1.5 billion
-
E1.7 billion
These figures excluded allowances, a key point of concern for the unions.
Allowances in Focus
NAPSAWU Secretary General Msimeto Malindzisa voiced disappointment, saying the briefing only managed expectations without addressing workers’ real concerns.
“The briefing was just for managing the situation,” Malindzisa said, stressing that unions are determined to ensure allowances are included in the review to avoid past oversights.
Government Responds
Ministry of Public Service Principal Secretary Mthunzi Shabangu confirmed the meeting was only meant to present a draft report with cost scenarios.
He explained that recommendations and submissions from all stakeholders are being factored into the final report, which will be presented next Tuesday.
According to Shabangu, the review process remains on schedule.
Eswatini Observer Press Reader | View Here
