By Mbono Mdluli
MBABANE – Public service pensioners can look forward to an early festive season as their annuities for December will be paid tomorrow, Friday, December 13, 2024.
Minister of Public Service, Mabulala Maseko, confirmed the development, noting that some pensioners might receive their payments earlier, depending on the smooth running of the annuities. He explained that the system is being processed today, Thursday, December 12, and certain banks might credit accounts as early as this evening.
The early payment comes four days ahead of civil servants’ pay, scheduled for December 17, 2024. The Accountant General, Nomsa Simelane, clarified that not all civil servants would receive their salaries on the same date. Pay will follow the usual schedule but moved up for the festive period:
Civil servants paid on the 20th, 21st, and 22nd will receive salaries on December 17.
Those usually paid on the 23rd and 24th will be compensated on December 18.
Workers with a normal payday of the 31st will be paid on December 20.
Government’s Wage Bill
The early payments come as part of an extensive financial outlay by the government for December. To cater to its 45,000 workers, the government is projected to spend over E900 million on salaries this month. This amount includes E86 million set aside for a 1% once-off “sweetener deal” agreed upon between the government and four major Public Service Unions (PSUs).
The agreement, signed on November 27, 2024, follows earlier commitments to a 0.5% once-off payment in July alongside a 4% Cost of Living Adjustment (CoLA). The unions involved in the deal include:
– Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT)
– National Public Service and Allied Workers Union (NAPSAWU)
– Swaziland Nurses Association (SNA)
– Swaziland National Association of Government Accounting Personnel (SNAGAP)
The government’s 2024/25 wage bill stands at approximately E9.8 billion, translating to a monthly expenditure of E816.7 million, which increases to E902.7 million with the additional deal factored in.
Significance of Early Payments
The early payment of annuities and salaries reflects efforts to improve conditions for pensioners and civil servants during the holiday season. For pensioners, who often rely on fixed incomes, this move brings much-needed relief and financial flexibility ahead of the festive period.
