LOBAMBA – Mayiwane Member of Parliament (MP) Sicelo Dlamini moved a motion in the House of Assembly that calls for the Public Service Minister Mabulala Maseko to appear before them with a detailed response over what he described as the continuation of contract teachers’ underpayment.
The minister, Maseko, has been given a timeline to present a report explaining government’s decision that led to the present pay anomaly before corrective measures may apply.
The MP said the question of why qualified contract teachers still continue to be remunerated in a low pay scale of grade B2, instead of being assigned to grade C3, begs an answer.
“When is that anomaly going to be fixed as it has brought emotional stress to the teachers,” he submitted.
He said the situation was “undermining the [teaching] profession” and has caused emotional stress among teachers across the country.
The Mayiwane legislator said the matter was serious enough that teachers themselves have periodically appealed for 69 MPs’ intervention in Parliament, stressing that their livelihoods and professional dignity were at stake. He told the House that many teachers, although employed and remunerated by the government, are not receiving salaries appropriate for qualified personnel.
Dlamini urged the Ministry of Public Service and the Ministry of Education and Training to work together to find an urgent remedy.
Minister for Public Service, Maseko, welcomed the motion and confirmed that his ministry, together with the Ministry of Education and Training, would collectively work on the response.
Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini seconded the motion.
Maseko requested an extension from the initial seven days to 21 days to prepare a detailed response to the House query.
Parliamentarians said they expect a clear timetable and tangible measures from the ministries involved, and that teachers should be given priority as discussions continue.
The move drew support from MPs who described the underpayment as a “thorn in their flesh,” degrading the livelihoods of those who have dedicated their skills and time to educating the nation.
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