Mbabane — The Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) has called on the government to extend recent salary adjustments given to security forces to all civil servants.
The appeal comes after Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Mthunzi Shabangu, announced that over 13,199 officers in the security sector would receive a 3 percent salary increase, backdated for 24 months.
Speaking on behalf of SNAT, Lot Vilakati said teachers and other government workers should also receive the 3 percent adjustment, backdated by at least three months. He argued that the move exposed ongoing salary disparities between security officers and the wider civil service.
Vilakati cited past adjustments, noting that in October 2022, the government awarded a 4 percent salary cushion to junior officers in the Royal Eswatini Police Service and His Majesty’s Correctional Services. That same year, security forces received a 3 percent cost-of-living adjustment, bringing their total increases to 7 percent.
He added that in 2023 and 2024, officers received further 4 percent cost-of-living adjustments, and the 2025 3 percent raise brings their total salary increases over three years far above what other civil servants have received.
Vilakati warned that inconsistent salary measures risk demoralising workers and could lead to unrest within the civil service if equity is not addressed.
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