Manzini – Yesterday’s Teachers’ Day celebrations at Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre were nothing short of remarkable.
The stadium was packed to capacity, and the festivities extended into a vibrant after-party that lasted from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The question that now lingers is: how did the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) manage to pull off such a phenomenal event?
The answer lies in three key pillars—appreciation, transparency, and innovation.
First and foremost, SNAT understands the power of appreciation. The union has coined a new term for its members—Valued Members.
And this isn’t just a slogan; it’s a lived principle. SNAT doesn’t only recognize teachers during election conferences but makes them feel valued every day. Through its social media platform, The SNAT Platform, the union frequently highlights its members, celebrates their work, and engages directly with them.
Leaders even visit schools in remote parts of the country to understand teachers’ working conditions firsthand. This consistent presence has built deep emotional loyalty.
Secondly, SNAT keeps its members informed.
During the recent salary review exercise, the union provided regular updates at every stage of the process. This level of transparency is rare in the labour movement, and it has earned SNAT immense trust. Members know where their leaders stand because communication is open and honest. In contrast, some unions barely communicate with their membership outside of election season, a costly mistake SNAT has consciously avoided. Some unions have no communication channels with their members such that some do not even know who the secretary general of that particular union is.
Lastly, SNAT thrives on innovation. It is not afraid to think beyond the traditional role of a trade union. From introducing the game-changing SNAT Burial Scheme to now planning a private hospital for its members, SNAT continues to raise the bar. These initiatives show that the union is not just in for collecting subscriptions but is genuinely invested in improving members’ quality of life.
When people trust their leadership, they follow wholeheartedly, even when times are tough. The massive turnout at Mavuso, despite teachers not yet being paid, proves that SNAT’s bond with its members runs deep. It’s a lesson for every organisation: when you appreciate, communicate, and innovate, your people will always stand by you.
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