BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – The nation will soon know the number of teachers required to ensure the smooth operation of Eswatini’s education system, as Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo is set to make the announcement on 28 January 2025.
This was revealed by the Acting Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Training, Nanikie Mnisi, during an interview regarding preparations for the reopening of schools on January 28, 2025.
According to Mnisi, the minister’s statement will be based on thorough analysis and scientific evidence to provide an accurate picture of the country’s teacher needs.
Mnisi explained that the announcement would be made during the minister’s visit to Salesian High School and Manzini Nazarene High School. The Acting Principal Secretary urged members of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) and other stakeholders to pay attention to the minister’s remarks, as they will provide clarity on this pressing issue.
This comes after SNAT recently claimed that Eswatini needs about 4 000 additional teachers to meet the demands of the education system.
“I’ve heard SNAT strongly state that the country requires 4 000 teachers. My response is that they should listen to what the minister will say tomorrow. His findings will be supported by scientific evidence,” Mnisi said.
Mnisi added that SNAT members and other interested parties would have the opportunity to review the minister’s report after the announcement. “Hopefully, after this, we will all be on the same page regarding the way forward,” she noted.
She further disclosed that while the ministry is already in the process of hiring teachers, more detailed plans, including additional advertisements for vacancies, will be shared by the minister. Mnisi hinted that some positions might be advertised as early as April this year, with others potentially opening sooner.
The upcoming announcement is expected to shed light on the ministry’s efforts to address teacher shortages and ensure a robust start to the 2025 academic year.
