BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE– As thousands of civil servants prepare to receive the outstanding 85 per cent of their salary review back pay, the Ministry of Health has urged workers to prioritise their health and well-being, warning that unmanaged excitement, stress and poor financial decisions could increase the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The ministry says the once-off payment should be viewed not only as financial relief but also as an opportunity for workers to improve their physical, mental and financial wellness through careful planning, routine health screenings and responsible spending.
Speaking on the Eswatini TV Kusile Breakfast Show on July 7, 2026, National Officer and Coordinator for the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) and Case Management Unit, Vusi Shabangu, encouraged civil servants to prepare themselves mentally before the money reaches their accounts, saying emotional reactions to money often have direct consequences on health.
Government has allocated approximately E850 million to settle the outstanding 85 per cent salary review back pay for eligible civil servants, completing the implementation of the 2025 Salary Review Collective Agreement. The allocation includes E635.35 million for the basic back pay, while the overall cost rises to about E1.1 billion when deferred allowances are included.
The payout is being financed through the government’s E2.9 billion Southern African Customs Union (SACU) quarterly revenue receipt. It follows the payment of the first 15 per cent of the six-month back pay, which was disbursed in October 2025, with the remaining 85 per cent bringing the agreement to its conclusion.
Shabangu said while the payment would provide much-needed financial relief to thousands of households, recipients should guard against allowing excitement or disappointment to dictate their decisions.
He explained that money has a powerful influence on emotions and behaviour, adding that excessive stress can contribute to hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and other non-communicable conditions.
“When money comes, people often change the way they think and behave. If it is not managed properly, excitement can lead to reckless spending, while disappointment can trigger stress that negatively affects blood pressure, blood sugar and overall well-being,” he said.
Shabangu urged civil servants to visit health facilities before receiving the payout to check their blood pressure, blood sugar and general health status.
“We are now in the second half of the year. This is the right time to know your health status. Go for NCD screening so that whatever happens with the payout finds you healthy and prepared,” he said.
He also cautioned workers against making financial commitments based on estimated figures before the money is deposited.
According to Shabangu, many people calculate what they expect to receive without considering deductions such as tax, only to become frustrated when the final amount differs from their expectations.
Instead, he encouraged recipients to wait until the money reflected in their accounts before making spending decisions.
“The money is yours once it reaches your account. There is no need to panic or rush to spend it immediately. Take time to think carefully and make decisions that will improve your life in the long term,” he said.
Shabangu advised workers to clear outstanding debts as their first priority, saying reducing debt would ease financial pressure, improve peace of mind and minimise stress-related health complications.
He further encouraged recipients to save a portion of the money before addressing other household needs, noting that disciplined financial planning would help families benefit from the payout long after it had been spent.
The health official also warned against using the money to fund unhealthy lifestyles, including excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and extravagant entertainment.
He said many people abandoned healthy routines after receiving unexpected money, only to find themselves struggling financially and emotionally once the funds had been exhausted.
Addressing the perception that healthy living was expensive, Shabangu said maintaining good health did not require costly gym memberships or expensive foods.
He explained that brisk walking for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, eating balanced meals with plenty of vegetables and moderate portions of affordable protein, while avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol, were practical and affordable ways to reduce the risk of NCDs.
Shabangu also encouraged civil servants to keep a clear record of how they spend the payout, saying accountability helps reduce financial anxiety and allows people to see the lasting value of their decisions.
He further called on employers and government institutions to strengthen financial literacy programmes ahead of major payouts, saying workers should receive guidance on budgeting, debt management and responsible spending before the money reaches their accounts.
Shabangu commended Government for honouring the salary review agreement, saying the payout would provide welcome relief for many families. However, he stressed that the greatest benefit would come from using the money wisely while protecting one’s health.
“Pay your debts, save for tomorrow, go for health screening and make decisions that will continue benefiting your family long after the money is gone. Good health remains your greatest investment,” he said.
(Courtesy Pic)
