Mbabane – Members of the Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF) have raised strong objections to government’s proposal to shift civil servants into the yet to be established Eswatini National Pension Fund (ENPF).
Concerns surfaced this week during the Eswatini International Trade Fair, where dozens of PSPF contributors, pensioners and members of the public shared their views at the Fund’s exhibition stand. Many said they fear that merging civil servants into ENPF would weaken PSPF, reduce benefits and jeopardise the financial security they have built over decades.
PSPF currently serves over 42 000 active members, more than 11 400 pensioners and 15 000 beneficiaries. For many, the idea of abandoning the scheme for an unfamiliar structure is seen as a direct threat to their livelihoods.
One teacher questioned the lack of consultation, saying members were learning about the changes through the media instead of their unions. “We are distressed. What does this mean for our retirement? I am scared. ENPF must convert on its own with the private sector,” she said.
Another member, Mhlelwa Dlamini, insisted civil servants had not asked for the conversion. “As the owners of the Fund, we are saying no to a second fund. PSPF must remain operating as it is and the new pension must operate on its own without affecting us,” he said.
Maxwell Sithole, also speaking at the stand, said civil servants were comfortable with PSPF. “We have long established this Fund. ENPF must concentrate on those in the private sector without pensions. Us joining ENPF would affect our benefits,” he noted.
The concerns extend beyond contributors. Several pensioners, who depend entirely on PSPF payments, warned that any weakening of their benefits would leave them destitute. “If we get reduced benefits that would mean my death. We survive because of our pensions,” said one pensioner, adding that they had not been properly consulted.
PSPF Chief Executive Officer, Masotja Vilakati, acknowledged the concerns during a recent appearance on Eswatini TV. He said the Fund supported the creation of ENPF in principle but insisted civil servants must remain under PSPF. “We fully support a national fund to assist those in the private sector who do not have pensions. But PSPF members are satisfied with their Fund and our duty is to protect their benefits. We hope their voices will be considered,” he said.
Vilakati assured members that PSPF would continue to engage with authorities to protect the savings of civil servants.
Across the interviews, the strongest demand was for wider consultation before any final decision is made. Civil servants repeatedly said they are not opposed to ENPF being established, but they do not want to be forced into leaving PSPF, which they described as reliable, transparent and secure.
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