Eswatini NGO accused of exploiting skilled volunteers with unpaid positions

A recent advertisement by an Eswatini NGO offering unpaid volunteer opportunities in critical care, emergency care, medical data, and research has sparked controversy and raised questions about the exploitation of unemployed graduates. The advertisement requires specialised medical qualifications and professional skills, prompting concerns that non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are taking advantage of job seekers by recruiting them into positions that require expertise without offering salaries.

The Coordinating Assembly of Non-Governmental Organisations (CANGO) has weighed in on the issue, warning against exploiting unemployed graduates through unpaid positions. Established in 1983, CANGO is an umbrella body that coordinates and strengthens the civil society sector in Eswatini, bringing together over 70 NGOs. CANGO Executive Director Thembinkosi Dlamini stated that the organisation had noted the engagement of volunteers, largely on an unpaid basis, with organisations often citing a lack of funding to support the positions.

Dlamini acknowledged that unpaid volunteer positions could provide unemployed graduates with professional experience, improving their prospects of securing employment in government, the private sector, and international organisations. However, he expressed concern about instances where organisations and government institutions expected volunteers and interns to undertake responsibilities beyond agreed-upon arrangements. Dlamini revealed that there had been cases where volunteers were expected to work beyond agreed working hours and perform duties without clear remuneration arrangements.

CANGO has emphasised the need for clear agreements defining responsibilities and distinguishing volunteer roles from those performed by permanent employees. Dlamini stated that organisations should establish clear boundaries and ensure that unpaid contributions are not exploited. He maintained that CANGO is opposed to the exploitation of people in the workplace and that NGOs needed to establish respectful and empowering volunteer programmes that provided opportunities for skills development rather than exploitation.

The controversy has attracted national criticism, with many describing the practice as an unfair labour arrangement. Dlamini said that volunteerism remained a feature of the NGO sector, largely due to limited funding available to support staffing requirements. He highlighted that volunteerism could contribute towards expanding service delivery, improving employability, and allowing individuals to participate in development programmes.

Regarding the advertisement, Dlamini said CANGO was not fully aware of the details of the arrangement but recognised that unemployment among trained and skilled young people in the health sector remained high. He implored organisations to provide orientation, training, mentorship, and recognition to ensure that volunteers benefitted professionally from their participation. Dlamini also called for increased investment in government-led programmes aimed at addressing unemployment, particularly among young people.

The Eswatini Youth Empowerment Programme (EYEP) is one example of a government-led initiative that supports internships and volunteer opportunities through monthly stipends. Dlamini encouraged organisations to create opportunities that allow young people to participate meaningfully in development work without being subjected to exploitative arrangements. CANGO is open to working with government and other stakeholders towards developing guidelines that would define, measure, and recognise volunteer work while applying core labour standards.

Key points

• CANGO Executive Director Thembinkosi Dlamini urges NGOs to establish clear boundaries and ensure that unpaid contributions are not exploited.
• The controversy highlights concerns about the exploitation of unemployed graduates in Eswatini.
• The Eswatini Youth Empowerment Programme (EYEP) supports internships and volunteer opportunities through monthly stipends.