MBABANE – Staff members at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) downed tools yesterday following delays in the payment of their October salaries.
The delay, according to a memo issued by Acting Registrar Richard Nxumalo on October 17, was caused by the late release of the university’s monthly subvention from government. The memo, sent two days before the official payday (October 19), informed staff that their salaries would be delayed until early the following week.
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“The university has not, as yet, received its monthly subvention. The inconvenience caused is regretted,” the memo read in part.
As a result, members of the Association of Lecturers, Academic and Administrative Personnel (ALAAP) resolved to suspend work, citing repeated salary delays in past months.
ALAAP Secretary General Mfunwa Dlamini said staff were frustrated by management’s lack of clarity on when salaries would be paid, adding that the decision to protest was made after several similar incidents.
RELATED: UNESWA’s Debt Now at E572.7 Million
UNESWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Justice Thwala confirmed that the institution was still awaiting its government subvention but said efforts were being made to process payments immediately once funds were received.
“We will also try to start paying salaries today while some workers will receive theirs tomorrow,” said Thwala.
When contacted, Accountant General Nomsa Simelane confirmed that payment to UNESWA had been made later in the day.
Meanwhile, in its second-quarter performance report, the university noted that the current monthly subvention of E40.53 million was insufficient — covering only salaries and PAYE obligations.
UNESWA reported that in the period under review, personnel costs amounted to E162.9 million, far exceeding the E121.58 million subvention received, leaving no funds for operations, utilities, or full payroll obligations.
The report further revealed that debts had ballooned to E572.7 million, including:
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E200 million owed to the Pension Fund
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E278 million to financial institutions
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E53 million in gratuities
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E28 million in medical aid
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E13.7 million owed to suppliers
To address the crisis, the university recommended an additional E15 million per month, which it said could come from either tuition fee normalisation or an increased subvention, to enable debt clearance and ensure long-term financial sustainability.
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