By EPN Reporter
MBABANE – When a person walks into a government office, their first impression often comes not from the service received, but from the image of the officers serving them. This is why the Ministry of Public Service has renewed its call for professionalism, starting with attire.
A Firm Hand from the New PS
Newly appointed Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service, Mthunzi Shabangu, has taken a decisive stance by instructing heads of departments to strictly enforce the official dress code. In a circular dated 1 August, he reminded civil servants that the General Order A.1008 sets clear standards for how public officers should present themselves.
“No officer should be allowed into the office if they report in unacceptable clothing, regardless of their rank or position,” Shabangu emphasized.
What is Acceptable?
The circular provides detailed guidance:
- Male officers must appear “neatly and soberly” in:
- Traditional attire
- Long trousers with jacket, shirt, tie, and stockings
- Safari suits in white, khaki, or subdued pastel colours
- Khaki or white shorts with matching shirt, stockings, and tie
- Female officers are expected to maintain a neat, respectable, and practical look suitable for office work. Prohibited attire includes jeans, slacks, see-through fabrics, backless tops, sleeveless or strapless garments. Traditional wear remains permissible.
- Uniformed services — such as the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS), and nurses, are to wear their prescribed uniforms. Messengers and security guards also fall under this requirement.
Restoring Decency in the Workplace
Shabangu stressed that this move is not punitive but corrective.
“It is important to differentiate someone going to work in corporate wear from someone on casual wear visiting the marketplace. Civil servants serve the public and must look presentable and professional,” he explained.
This, he added, is part of a broader effort to restore decency and dignity in the public service, ensuring officers embody the values of respect and professionalism when dealing with citizens.
The Human Touch – Consequences with Fairness
While the directive is firm, Shabangu has emphasized fairness in its implementation. Before punitive measures are applied, employees will first be reminded and encouraged to comply.
“Any work rule has consequences as the rules are not for decoration,” he noted, highlighting that adherence to workplace standards is fundamental to effective public service.
Why It Matters
The enforcement of a dress code may appear minor, but its ripple effects are significant. Professional presentation inspires confidence, boosts morale, and reminds the public that they are being served by a dignified civil service.
As Eswatini continues to strengthen governance and service delivery, initiatives such as this underline a simple but powerful truth: professionalism begins with appearance, and from there, excellence in service can follow.
