Govt to address issues undermining welfare of teachers

MINISTER of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo says government is working to address issues undermining the welfare of teachers, but emphasised that ‘Rome was not built in a day’.

The minister made these remarks during an interview on Channel Yemaswati alongside the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) Secretary General, Lot Vilakati.

He stated that government was trying to address challenges faced by teachers, including employment on contract, incorrect salary grading and inadequate housing.

Nxumalo commended teachers for their dedication despite the challenges they face.

He said upon assuming office, he took it upon himself to assess the depth of the problems affecting teachers, noting that the most persistent issue was that of contract employment.

He revealed that government was working towards converting contract teachers into permanent employees, adding that over 1 000 teachers were currently employed on a temporary basis.

He described the situation as painful, particularly as some teachers were not receiving benefits.

“We are engaging Cabinet on this and they have promised to work with us. The main challenge is funding, but I have urged Cabinet that teachers should not be treated differently from other civil servants,” he said.

He added that Cabinet was also addressing the issue of replacing permanent posts with contract positions.

He stressed that when a teacher leaves, they should be replaced promptly.

Nxumalo further noted that some teachers were underpaid, while others were teaching at primary instead of secondary schools.

ALSO READ | 2 584 teachers still on contract

“We are aware of these issues and are working to resolve them. Rome was not built in one day. Resources are limited, but we are aware that when teachers leave or pass away, they are often replaced with contract teachers.

“Those who go to Taiwan are also replaced with contract teachers. Over 4 000 teachers have gone to Taiwan and have been replaced in this manner,” he added.

He further noted that while posts exist, they are being filled on a contractual basis, adding that many teachers were even volunteering despite these challenges.

SNAT Secretary General Lot Vilakati highlighted several pressing concerns, particularly the lack of permanent employment for teachers.

He said while some civil servants were employed on a permanent basis, many teachers had remained on contracts for over 10 years. He noted that this lack of job security and benefits was a major concern for the union.