Outgoing Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) President Mbongwa Dlamini has called on the union's incoming leadership to raise the bar on teachers' demands. During the 2026 SNAT Annual Conference held at Esibayeni Lodge in Matsapha, Dlamini urged the new leaders to move beyond cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) towards a living wage and stronger employment conditions. The conference, themed 'Empowering Union Members to Deepen, Defend and Advance Workers' Collective Bargaining,' brought together teachers to elect a new National Executive Committee (NEC) and discuss issues affecting the union.
Dlamini reflected on his eight years at the helm of the teachers' union, describing it as a journey of "trial and triumph." He recalled being suspended in May 2019 for standing up for teachers' interests and reinstated in October 2021, only to be transferred and have his salary stopped in September 2022. Dlamini was eventually dismissed in August 2023 for alleged absenteeism, which he claimed was due to his involvement in negotiations on behalf of teachers. Despite the challenges, Dlamini expressed pride in the union's achievements, including salary improvements and the construction of the E39 million SNAT Conference Centre.
During his tenure, SNAT secured COLA adjustments in 2022, 2023, and 2024, followed by a salary review in 2025. Dlamini said the union forced the government to the table and delivered real improvements in the economic life of every teacher. He also highlighted the construction of the SNAT Conference Centre as proof of the union's determination to build its own institutional infrastructure despite challenges. The centre represents a significant investment in the union's infrastructure and will serve as its own home.
Dlamini urged the incoming leadership to remain vigilant in defending the Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF), warning that the issue remained unresolved. He said SNAT had fought attempts to alter the pension system through the courts, streets, and bargaining structures. The union's efforts had ensured the protection of the PSPF, but Dlamini emphasized that the fight was far from over. He called on the new leadership to keep up the fight and defend the PSPF at all costs.
As delegates prepared to elect a new NEC, Dlamini urged them to view the conference as more than an electoral contest. He challenged delegates to deepen their understanding of collective bargaining and protect the independence of the union. Dlamini also called for SNAT to broaden its demands from COLA to a living wage, from a housing allowance to a meaningful 13th cheque, and from fixed-term contracts to permanent employment.
The issue of teachers' accommodation also featured prominently at the conference. SNAT Secretary General Lot Vilakati revealed that some female teachers were being forced to share accommodation with male colleagues due to a shortage of teachers' houses. Vilakati acknowledged that the shortage and poor condition of teachers' accommodation remained a serious challenge, particularly in rural schools. He said the crisis required urgent attention as teachers continued working in schools where accommodation was unavailable, overcrowded, or in poor condition.
Dlamini concluded his address by thanking the teachers who supported the union, as well as his family and the NEC. He left office without bitterness, proud of the union's achievements and the progress made during his tenure. As the conference came to a close, delegates elected a new NEC and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the interests of teachers in Eswatini.
Key points
- Dlamini urges incoming SNAT leadership to move beyond COLA towards a living wage and stronger employment conditions.
- SNAT secured significant salary improvements, including COLA adjustments and a salary review.
- The union's incoming leadership must remain vigilant in defending the Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF).
