Mbabane – The Teaching Service Commission has issued contract renewal letters to 1,273 teachers during an exercise held today at Mater Dorolosa Hall in Mbabane.
The handover was conducted by Human Resource officers under the Teaching Service Commission, following authorisation from the Ministry of Public Service through an instrument issued on January 15, 2026. The process was aimed at ensuring continuity in schools as the 2026 academic year begins.
Speaking at the venue, Swaziland National Association of Teachers Secretary General Lot Vilakati welcomed the move by Government while raising concerns about the challenges faced by educators employed on contract terms, noting the uncertainty and limited benefits associated with such arrangements.
Several teachers who attended the event expressed relief at receiving the two year contracts, despite acknowledging that the contracts do not offer permanent security. “At least, as the year 2026 resumes one can find comfort in the fact that they will be able to put food on the table,” one temporary teacher remarked.
The Ministry of Public Service said it is working jointly with the Teaching Service Commission and other stakeholders to address the situation of temporary teachers and reduce their numbers. These efforts form part of a broader process that previously saw progress when, on June 26, 2024, Minister for Public Service Mabulala Maseko announced the absorption of 364 temporary teachers into the Government Permanent Establishment.
Discussion about this post