MBABANE – The Eswatini National Association of Teachers (SNAT) leadership declined an offer from Minister of Education Owen Nxumalo for a civil discussion over tea, choosing instead to deliver their petition formally at the ministry’s offices. Upon the minister’s appearance at the building’s entrance, he commended the teachers for their peaceful demonstration and offered to prepare tea for the executive to facilitate a discussion of their grievances. However, SNAT Secretary General Lot Vilakati, using a megaphone, rallied union members with the call ‘Amandla!’.
“Live LeNgwenyama Liyahlonishwa. This is respect President; there is no jumping around, no singing, and no placards. Right now I’m going to make you tea, so that we can sit down and talk about the pressing issues of the country. I’m getting prepared, they are going to come get you for the sit-down and I’ll get the tea ready. I don’t want to keep you waiting for too long,” Minister Nxumalo stated.
Demands
Vilakati subsequently presented a list of demands to the minister. The list detailed SNAT’s National Executive Committee’s (NEC) repeated, yet unsuccessful, attempts to meet with the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) since October 3, 2022, with over ten requests having been made. SNAT-NEC reported these unproductive interactions to the Principal Secretary (PS) at the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET), Bhekithemba Gama, and the then Acting PS Naniki Mnisi. The list also highlighted SNAT-NEC’s numerous peaceful attempts to meet with the TSC at their offices.
The Eswatini National Association of Teachers (SNAT) National Executive Committee (NEC), citing Sections 176 and 178 of the Constitution of Swaziland Act of 1982, presented a petition to Minister of Education Owen Nxumalo, outlining the following demands: Reinstatement of SNAT President: The NEC demanded the reinstatement of the Union’s President, adhering to the Industrial Court rulings of May 8, 2023, and March 21, 2024.
Release of SNAT President’s Salary: They also demanded the immediate release of the SNAT President’s salary, in accordance with the Industrial Court ruling issued by Judge Msimango on May 8, 2023. The SNAT-NEC called for the minister’s immediate intervention, emphasising the TSC direct reporting relationship to the minister’s office, as stipulated by the Constitution of 2005 and the TSC Act of 1982. The union’s refusal to accept the minister’s offer of tea and a civil conversation drew public reaction. Social media comments, particularly on Facebook, largely commended the minister for his calm approach in handling the union.
