Mbabane: Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) has swiftly responded to the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) Chairman Simanga Mamba’s ‘hot letter’, telling him not to rush in firing ballistic missiles to the teachers’ union.
SNAT Secretary General Sikelela Dlamini, whom Mamba’s letter was directed to, have issued a public statement which seek to respond to Mamba’s letter that its widespread discussions and content were published by the Sunday Times on September 12.
In the statement issued by Dlamini on Monday, it was reported that the statement seeks to set the record straight as it was the Trade Union’s constitutional duty to do so as soon as possible.
Dlamini highlighted that the letter that Mamba was responding to was basically directed to the Ministry of Education and Training Principal Secretary Bertram Stewart not Mamba. Dlamini said the letter was actually meant to implore the Controlling officer in the Eswatini’s largest Ministry to respond to members concerns regarding the conduct of his division, TSC.
The Teacher’s union clarified that the reason the letter was directed to the PS was because he is the relevant officer to provide clarity in all the irregularities in the TSC office. The SNAT SG said the irregularities whether alleged or evident should be properly handled by relevant officers so that those alleged to be involved in corrupt practices be absolved.
Dlamini said the PS attached Mamba’s letter in his response to the SNAT letter that was written on August 27 and positively enough the PS response was delivered on time before the elapse of the deadline that was set by SNAT for the Ministry’s PS. Dlamini said in as much Mamba’s letter had good suggestions that may assist SNAT in addressing the myriad challenges that affect teachers, but it is not yet time for him to address himself on those matters.
He added that the organization was merely seeking for simple answers on some pertinent issues. In the fullness of time SNAT will address themselves not to Mamba’s person but his office, as a public entity.
SNAT said they will have face to face meeting with the Senior Management Team in the Education Ministry on Thursday, September 17 to discuss these fundamental issues. “As an organization that has extra-ordinary pool of capabilities, shall, however, deal with the same in the manner and spirit that it presents itself” reads Dlamini’s statement.
Dlamini highlighted that the General Membership (GM) shall be brought abreast on the crucial matters as they evolve in the different structures.
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