BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – The Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) has appealed for a peaceful and harmonious working environment for teachers across Eswatini, particularly its members.
This call was made by SNAT President, Mbongwa Dlamini, during a press conference held at the SNAT Centre in Manzini on Saturday, 8 November 2025, where he was joined by the association’s Deputy Secretary General, Mxolisi Ngcamphalala.
The statement followed comments made by the Minister of Education and Training, Hon. Owen Nxumalo, who had, on the previous day, urged the teachers’ union not to “cause anarchy” in schools. Reports had surfaced suggesting that SNAT members were allegedly planning to disrupt the running of schools led by headteachers who were not affiliated with the association.
Addressing the issue, Dlamini clarified that SNAT’s intentions had been misunderstood. He began by apologising to the Ministry of Education and Training for the perception that the union was engaged in conflict with the Eswatini Principals Association (EPA). He explained that the association had only sought to defend its members from what it described as unfair treatment and suffocating conditions imposed by some headteachers who were not SNAT members.
Dlamini emphasised that SNAT had no plans to make schools ungovernable, but rather aimed to educate its members about their rights as provided for by the country’s laws. He expressed disappointment that the EPA had taken its grievances to the Teaching Service Commission (TSC), arguing that the TSC served merely as an agent of the employer rather than the employer itself.
Adding to Dlamini’s remarks, Deputy Secretary General Ngcamphalala said the union had been quoted out of context regarding its stance on dealing with headteachers. He explained that SNAT’s concern stemmed from reports that many teachers were being denied participation in union activities, despite such participation being legally protected.
Ngcamphalala further stressed that teacher well-being directly affected the quality of education delivered in schools. He stated that when teachers were happy and treated fairly, learners benefited from a more positive and productive classroom environment.
He concluded by urging the Ministry of Education to handle the issue with fairness and avoid taking sides, reiterating SNAT’s commitment to promoting cooperation and understanding between teachers and their school leaders.
The association’s message was clear: for education to thrive in Eswatini, teachers must be supported, respected, and empowered to work in harmony with their superiors.
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