Africa-Press – Eswatini. Some Civil servants have welcomed the government’s decision to forego early December salary payments this year, viewing it as a responsible measure that will help stabilise finances during the festive season.
Speaking to colleagues and media, several public workers acknowledged that receiving salaries on the normal December schedule – starting from 20 December, with temporary staff paid on 23 December – could actually prevent financial strain towards the end of the year.
Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg made the announcement in Mbabane on Thursday, explaining that early December payments were not possible due to temporary cash-flow constraints. However, he reassured civil servants that the change was temporary and part of sound financial management to safeguard national resources.
The Minister brought a message of hope, confirming that early salary payments will resume in January 2026. This measure is aimed at supporting families with back-to-school expenses and easing financial pressures as the new school year begins. “We understand that January is a critical month for households, especially for parents preparing to pay school fees,” Rijkenberg said. “Early January payments will provide the support our civil servants need at this important time.”
Many civil servants expressed appreciation for the forward-looking approach. They noted that early December payments often meant that cash ran out quickly before the end of the festive season, leaving households stretched. By aligning December salaries with the normal schedule, workers feel they can better manage their finances and plan for the New Year.
Some staff indicated that earlier communication regarding the change would have been helpful, as early December pay has long been a familiar tradition. Nonetheless, the majority welcomed the assurance of early pay in January, seeing it as a practical and supportive step from Government to meet employees’ needs during a key period.
The Minister emphasised that Government remains committed to the welfare of its workforce, recognising that civil servants are integral to delivering essential services across the country. By maintaining regular payments in December and providing early January pay, public workers can meet family and household obligations with confidence and stability.
As Eswatini enters the festive season, the government’s proactive approach is giving civil servants both reassurance and hope. The combination of responsible financial management and planned early January pay demonstrates a commitment to supporting the country’s workforce while ensuring sustainable national finances.
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