Africa-Press – Eswatini. The publication of 15 Wages Regulation Orders for 2026 will deliver salary increases ranging from 4% to 10% across multiple sectors as part of the 2025/2026 wage review.
The Honourable Minister of Labour and Social Security, Phila Buthelezi, has officially announced the new wage regulations, describing them as a milestone that strengthens worker protection while promoting collaboration between employers and employees.
The Minister explained that the reviewed wage orders introduce improved sector-based minimum terms and conditions of service, including cost of living adjustments (COLA). The outcomes are the result of negotiations conducted through Wages Councils appointed under the Wages Act of 1964.
He confirmed that 15 out of 18 Wages Regulation Orders have now been published, while negotiations for the remaining three sectors are scheduled to continue during the current year.
Several industries recorded notable increases, with some sectors receiving adjustments of up to 10% across the board.
The Forestry and Forest Industry received a 10% increase, while the Building and Construction and Hotel and Catering industries secured 8.5% increases. The Agriculture and Motor Engineering industries will receive 6% adjustments.
Domestic employees will benefit from a 7% increase, alongside a 3.5% adjustment for workers earning above the prescribed minimum wage.
The Micro-Money Lenders industry will receive a 6% increase and the introduction of a minimum lunch-out allowance of E70 within a 15-kilometre radius.
In the Road Transportation industry, workers will receive a 5.5% increase plus a daily allowance of E109.50 for Bulk Vehicle Operators.
Employees in the Schools and Educational Support Staff sector secured a 4.5% increase, while the Watching and Protective industry received a 5% increase.
Pre-school and day-care workers will see increases of 7.2% for employees earning above E2,000 and 9.2% for those earning below E2,000.
The Media, Manufacturing and Processing, and Textile and Apparel industries will continue negotiations during the current year.
Copies of the wage gazettes are available at the Ministry.
