More than 1 200 contract teacher posts have been renewed as schools prepare to open on Tuesday.
The renewed contracts include positions for primary and secondary school teachers, educators in education centres, as well as a lecturer post.
Ministry of Education and Training Principal Secretary Naniki Mnisi confirmed this yesterday when asked about the ministry’s preparedness for the opening of schools scheduled for January 27.
Mnisi said the renewal of the contracts was approved on Friday, adding that priority was given to secondary and high schools, as some primary schools were reportedly understaffed.
She said some teachers would be deployed to new schools expected to open this year, including Mbekelweni Secondary School, which was constructed after government noted that learners had been travelling long distances to attend school.
Mnisi said the school was yet to be allocated a headteacher and teaching staff and that the ministry did not yet have exact enrolment figures.
She said contracts were renewed based on individual school needs, noting that Cabinet approval would still be sought for the upgrading of some teachers who are qualified to teach at high school level.
“We are renewing the contracts, and government has already paid the Free Primary Education (FPE) grant to some schools.
“Those that have not yet received the funds are affected by the absence of headteachers or minor administrative challenges.
“The ministry will also be delivering the school feeding scheme. However, we have been delayed by the rains, as some areas remain inaccessible.
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“We plan to deliver the school feeding programme on January 27, once headteachers are in place, because some processes cannot be carried out without their presence,” she said.
Mnisi further stated that the delivery of textbooks had already begun in schools that were accessible, although some trucks had been delayed due to poor road conditions.
She said the ministry was ready and hopeful that nothing would hinder the opening of schools next week, as preparations were almost complete.
Meanwhile, Eswatini Principals Association Secretary General Mduduzi Masilela said teacher replacements were still outstanding and some contracts had not yet been renewed, although there were indications that the process was underway.
He said admissions were still ongoing in some schools but had been temporarily halted in others due to impassable roads, resulting in a backlog, while some schools were experiencing an influx of applicants.
Masilela said school feeding commodities had not yet been received.
“Information received is that delivery will commence when schools open and most schools have reported receipt of the Free Primary Education (FPE) grant,” he said.
He added that high schools had reported that the Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVC) grant had not yet been received.
Masilela also stated that most primary schools had reported receiving their 2026 textbooks during term three of 2025.
He said stationery was available for collection at designated points; however, due to limited access caused by persistent rains, most schools were unable to collect the supplies.
Masilela said at primary school level, textbooks had been delivered earlier, while FPE disbursements and stationery distribution were ongoing.
However, food deliveries remained outstanding due to continued rainfall and impassable roads, with high schools facing similar challenges.
“Only headteachers have been oriented on the rollout of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) programme in secondary schools.
“Outstanding training includes deputy headteachers, subject teachers, admissions committees and other stakeholders,” he said.
He added that schools were still awaiting the CBE syllabi, which could affect the effective start of the programme in Grade 8.
He said the biggest challenge remained accessibility, as many schools were inaccessible while others had limited access due to damaged roads and crossings.
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