The industrial action by workers at the Southern Africa Nazarene University (SANU) entered day six yesterday, with employees maintaining that they would not return to work until their grievances were addressed by the institution’s management.
The continued strike has prolonged uncertainty around the commencement of semester one examinations, leaving students increasingly anxious as no formal communication was issued by management on when the exams would begin.
Workers, led by the Swaziland Health Institutions and Allied Workers Union (SHIAWU) and the National Workers Union of Swaziland Higher Institutions (NAWUSHI), are protesting SANU’s failure to implement a Cost of Living Adjustment (CoLA) since 2022, as well as the non-remittance of pension contributions dating back to 2023.
SHIAWU previously claimed that about E11 million in pension contributions was outstanding, affecting both current employees and retirees. SHIAWU President Bonginkosi Tsela said the workers remained resolute despite engagements with management.
He added that last Thursday, management briefed the unions on efforts to secure funding for CoLA, including the expected presentation of a scope paper by the Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, to Cabinet today. While these developments were acknowledged by the workers, Tsela said they were not sufficient to warrant the suspension of the industrial action.
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“Management has promised to explore all possible means to mitigate the CoLA demands, but until there is a clear outcome, the workers will continue with the action,” he said.
As the strike drags on, students remain in the dark regarding the examination timetable. Many have expressed frustration over the lack of official communication from the university, saying the prolonged silence has worsened their anxiety and disrupted academic planning.
SANU Registrar Sipho Mhlanga confirmed that examinations were still halted and management is yet to issue a new directive.
“We are still engaging with the workers’ unions following the latest court developments. Once management reaches a final position, communication will be made,” Mhlanga said.
