BY MBONO MDLULI
MANZINI – The Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) pulled off a resounding World Teachers’ Day celebration, as more than 10 000 teachers gathered at the Mavuso Sports Centre on Friday, October 24, 2025.
According to information shared on SNAT’s social media platforms, the association expressed heartfelt appreciation to all educators who attended. With a membership of about 14 000, SNAT also celebrated 97 years of existence, having been established in 1928.
Although organised by SNAT, the event welcomed all teachers — including those who are not members — as educators from across Eswatini converged on Manzini to honour their profession, reflect on their journey, and share their stories of triumph and challenge. Despite the scorching 32°C heat, the spirit of unity and pride among the teaching fraternity shone brightly throughout the day.
The celebrations began at St Theresa’s High School, which served as the official assembly point before the grand march to Mavuso. By 8am, the teachers had begun their lively procession through Manzini City Centre, singing, dancing, and waving banners as they passed landmarks such as the Manzini Bus Rank. Their joyful songs echoed through the streets, celebrating their collective identity and commitment to shaping the nation’s future.
Under the blazing sun, the teachers refreshed themselves with beverages to stay hydrated. By 10am, many had arrived at the venue, which had transformed into a “sea of white” — a striking sight as thousands of teachers, dressed in white SNAT T-shirts accented with dark blue and red, filled the stands and grounds.
The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and celebration. Teachers reconnected with former college and university classmates, exchanged stories from their respective schools, and captured the day’s memories in photos and videos. For many, the event was more than a gathering — it was a powerful moment to appreciate their role in nation-building and to celebrate their profession with pride.
Among the distinguished guests was the Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, who commended teachers for their unwavering dedication and professionalism. Addressing the crowd, Nxumalo praised their resilience in the face of daily challenges and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the teaching profession.
Educators also took the opportunity to share their successes and challenges with the Minister, highlighting both achievements and areas for improvement within Eswatini’s education system.
On social media, particularly through SNAT’s official platforms, many teachers expressed gratitude for the event’s excellent organisation. They praised SNAT for providing good food, quality entertainment, and a relaxed space to connect with colleagues.
While a few members from certain branches voiced minor grievances, the majority described the day as “one of the best celebrations ever held”, calling for the event to be expanded in future.
“Next year, World Teachers’ Day should not just be a one-day event — it should be a whole weekend,” some teachers suggested in response to an online poll.
The 2025 celebration not only marked a day of unity and recognition but also reaffirmed the vital role teachers continue to play in shaping Eswatini’s future — with passion, patience, and purpose.
WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY 2025 — AT A GLANCE
Venue: Mavuso Sports Centre, Manzini
Date: Friday, 24 October 2025
️ Temperature: 32°C
Attendance: Over 10,000 teachers
Organiser: Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT)
Occasion: Celebration of World Teachers’ Day and SNAT’s 97th Anniversary
Assembly Point: St Theresa’s High School, Manzini
March Route: From St Theresa’s through Manzini City Centre, passing the Bus Rank, to Mavuso
Dress Code: White SNAT T-shirts with dark blue and red accents – creating a striking “Sea of White”
️ Guest of Honour: Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo
️ Key Message: Celebrating unity, resilience, and the vital role of educators in shaping Eswatini’s future
Highlight Quote: “Next year, World Teachers’ Day should not just be a one-day event — it should be a whole weekend.”
