By Mbono Mdluli
MBABANE – Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workers, commonly referred to as paramedics, have received commendations for their maturity and professionalism in addressing delays in the payment of their overtime allowances.
The acknowledgment came from Khanya Mabuza, the Principal Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Health, in a statement issued on January 17, 2025. Mabuza explained that the ministry initially aimed to process the allowances along with January salaries, but unforeseen delays impeded this plan.
Despite these setbacks, the PS assured that resolving the payment issue remains a top priority. Meetings were held with the EMS executive committees and the National Public Service and Allied Workers Union (NAPSAWU), during which Mabuza and Ncamsile Mtshali, the Ministry’s Under Secretary for Administration, expressed their gratitude for the paramedics’ dedication.
Mabuza emphasized the workers’ commitment to prioritizing the lives of Emaswati over personal grievances. “We are grateful for the patience and professionalism displayed by our paramedics. Not once did we hear of threats to suspend services during this challenging time,” he remarked.
The Ministry of Health also extended its appreciation to the Ministry of Finance and the Accountant General’s office for treating the matter with urgency.
To prevent similar issues in the future, Mabuza revealed that the ministry is developing a new model for managing overtime payments. While details were not disclosed, he expressed confidence that the system would be implemented by the end of the next financial year.
This move signals a commitment to not only resolving current issues but also ensuring better systems are in place to support the invaluable efforts of the nation’s paramedics.
