Mbabane – The Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) has issued a scathing statement, expressing grave concerns over the government’s preparedness for school re-opening and its handling of proposed education reforms. The statement, released by secretary general Lot Vilakati on September 16, 2025, highlights critical issues ranging from inadequate school inspections to the introduction of a four-year syllabus and Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum in secondary schools.
SNAT alleges that schools are “NOT ready and prepared to receive learners and teachers for the 3rd Term.” The association claims that, contrary to the government’s assurances, their own inspections revealed a dire lack of readiness. The statement accuses the government of being in a “deep slumber,” failing to learn from past mistakes. This contradicts the normal expectation that schools should be ready for reopening at least two weeks in advance.
The government, in response to previous inspections by SNAT, had accused the association of being antagonistic. However, SNAT maintains that their actions are driven by a commitment to “true governance and service delivery.” The statement references Amílcar Cabral’s words, “Tell No Lies and Claim No Easy Victories,” to underscore their position.
On the statement Vilakati further criticizes the Ministry of Education and Training for its handling of the Free Primary Education (FPE) and Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVCs) Grants. While acknowledging the recent remittance of some funds, SNAT expresses apprehension about the “modus operandi” of the Ministry. The association argues that for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 4 (quality education) to be achieved by 2030, the government must prioritize funding for education. This includes ensuring schools have sufficient resources for effective teaching and learning, and that food is available for learners.
SNAT highlights the #GoPublic #FundEducation Campaign, an initiative by Education International (EI) that calls for governments to invest meaningfully in their education systems. The statement turns what the ‘Inqaba Implementation Manual-a Practical Guide for Headteachers,’ a 2011 government document, suggests should be Centres of Care and Support into what they are currently, “Centres of Hunger and Agony.”
Labels proposed four-year program a clandestine rollout?
SNAT expresses alarm over what it describes as the government’s “clandestine” plan to implement the Competency Based Education (CBE) Programme in all Secondary Schools starting in 2026. The association, representing teachers since 1928, warns that secondary school teachers in the country are not specialized to teach all subjects, which would be required under a broad CBE approach. Instead, they specialize in specific areas.
The statement points out that the CBE program has already faced challenges at the Primary School level. SNAT’s advice to the government was to compile a comprehensive report on the CBE Programme at the primary level, including an evaluation of its merits and demerits. The Ministry of Education and Training (MoET), however, appears to have overlooked this advice and is moving forward with introducing CBE in Secondary Schools. This includes the training of teachers and equipping of schools to cater for the three [3] pathways (Academic, Professional and Technical) for learners, as per the 2018 Eswatini Curriculum Framework, which has yet to commence.
SNAT emphasizes that CBE requires a significant commitment from the government to adequately fund the education system to achieve meaningful outcomes. The association also cautions teachers who are being “underhandedly locked in hotels” by the Ministry without the knowledge of the Union, urging them to be wary of being forced into agreements that are not in their best interest. They request teachers to leave such events if they encounter problems or feel pressured.
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