BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE – There appears to be light at the end of the tunnel in the protracted salary review negotiations, as government has significantly increased its offer, pledging to implement 64% of the approved Category Three of the salary review report.
This commitment translates to just over E1 billion, a notable increase from the E500 million previously tabled.
The full cost of implementing the salary review across all categories is estimated at E1.6 billion. If the Public Sector Unions (PSUs) accept the new proposal, government would still owe 36% of what employees were originally expecting.
Revised Offer Explained
According to the offer presented on October 8, 2025, government’s proposal includes:
- 64% implementation of Category Three of the salary review report, amounting to over E1 billion.
- A 50% implementation of allowances across the board — excluding Categories A and B, who will instead receive 100% of their salaries plus a 5% once-off payment.
- Notably, consultants had not initially recommended any allowances for Categories A and B, but government added the 5% once-off payment as a gesture of goodwill.
The attached salary structure tables confirm the various increments across job grades under the new scenario, reflecting the scaled percentages and their financial implications
Negotiations in Progress
SNAT Secretary General Lot Vilakati confirmed that no agreement has been signed yet. He explained that the PSUs will on the morning of October 9, 2025, meet their members to discuss the revised offer. Later that day, at 2:00 PM, unions will reconvene with government to provide feedback and determine the way forward.
“In fact, the consultant had not recommended any allowances for category A and B. But government has offered a 5% once-off for them,” Vilakati explained.
When asked whether they remain confident about meeting the targeted October 21 pay day, Vilakati responded affirmatively, saying the target remains intact.
Positive Negotiation Atmosphere
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Mthunzi Shabangu, described the negotiations as constructive.
“Today government presented her revised offer and the negotiations proceeded with a positive spirit. We had a good engagement that was acceptable to the forum of negotiations. That is what I can say,” Shabangu stated.
Offer Tabled Amid Civil Servants’ March
The revised offer came on the same day that thousands of civil servants took to the streets, marching to deliver a petition to the Prime Minister’s Office. Their key demand was for government to fully implement the long-awaited salary review, which has been under discussion for months. The timing of the revised proposal during this march underscores the high stakes and urgency surrounding the negotiations.
Summary of Key Figures
The unions’ response following tomorrow’s consultations will determine whether this landmark offer sets the stage for long-awaited salary adjustments or if further negotiations will be required. For now, both parties appear to be moving forward with renewed optimism.
