By Mbono Mdluli and Mbongeni Ndlela
MBABANE – Salary review negotiations between government and public sector unions have hit a financial stalemate, forcing both parties to postpone talks to next Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
The negotiations, held at the Ministry of Public Service boardroom on Friday, October 3, ended without agreement after it emerged that the E500 million budget allocated by government for the salary review was far below the E1.6 billion required to implement the approved Category Three of the Salary Review Report.
The meeting brought together the Government Negotiation Team (GNT), led by Principal Secretary Mthunzi Shabangu and Secretary to Cabinet Victor Nxumalo, and representatives from the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT), Swaziland Nurses Association (SNA), National Association of Public Servants and Allied Workers Union (NAPSAWU), and the Swaziland National Association of Government Accounting Personnel (SNAGAP).
Financial Gap at the Heart of Disagreement
While government has shown commitment by setting aside E500 million for the exercise, unions argued that this figure falls drastically short of what is needed to ensure fair and comprehensive implementation. The approved category of the report requires E1.6 billion to fully cover the reviewed salaries across the civil service.
The GNT maintained that the current fiscal space limits what can be offered immediately. “The issue is not about willingness, but affordability,” a senior government source explained. “The E500 million allocation is what Treasury can release at this stage without destabilizing other essential public services.”
Union leaders, however, emphasized that their members expect meaningful adjustments to be reflected in October salaries, noting that salary processing begins on the 10th of each month.
Consultations Before Next Round
Both negotiating parties agreed to return to their respective constituencies for fresh mandates. The GNT will brief Cabinet, while the unions will consult their members in a meeting scheduled for Monday, October 6, at the SNAT Centre in Manzini.
PS Mthunzi Shabangu underscored that Cabinet approval is required before any public announcement can be made. Meanwhile, SNAT President Mbongwa Dlamini assured that unions will enter the next round of talks with clear directives from their members.
Civil Servants Watching Closely
The salary review talks are being closely followed by thousands of civil servants, many of whom are hopeful for a breakthrough after years of stagnant wages. The outcome of Wednesday’s negotiations could shape the tone of government–labour relations going forward and signal government’s fiscal priorities amid a challenging economic environment.
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Courtesy Pic)
