SNAT questions government pay gaps

Mbabane – The Swaziland National Association of Teachers has voiced concern over widening salary gaps in the public sector following the 2025 Salary Review Exercise, arguing that the current pay structure sends troubling signals to young people about the value of education in Eswatini.

The union, founded in 1928 and formally recognised by government, told its members during a recent assembly that pupils should understand the reality facing professionals in the country. SNAT said many educators now believe that political influence carries more weight than formal qualifications.

The remarks came after the latest salary adjustments for government office bearers. According to the union’s breakdown, an Indvuna Yenkhundla received an increment of E5 360.80 before allowances and medical aid, while a diploma qualified teacher at C3 Notch 1 with three years of training received an increase of E4 237.33. SNAT reminded members that teachers are not covered by a government medical aid scheme.

The union shared the revised salary structure showing uniform increases of 53.414 percent across office bearers. The figures are presented below:

SNAT said the comparison raises difficult questions for teachers, learners and policymakers about whether education still leads to professional stability in Eswatini.