Africa-Press – Eswatini. Government has disclosed its commitment to strengthening the country’s education sector, with a total of 9 100 high school teachers and 6 644 primary school teachers currently in public service.
Minister of Public Service Mabulala Maseko revealed these figures during the Senate Portfolio Committee Budget Debate on 24 March 2026, spotlighting steady progress in ensuring that teachers are placed in stable and secure employment.
At high school level, 7 381 teachers are permanent and pensionable, representing 77 percent of the workforce, while 1 710 educators are on contract, accounting for 23 percent. The minister said these figures demonstrate significant strides toward stabilising the teaching profession.
“This shows that as government, we are making meaningful progress in ensuring that educators are placed in stable and sustainable employment conditions,” said Maseko.
He noted that while some teachers remain on contract, government is actively processing conversions for those who meet all the necessary requirements. This ongoing exercise is expected to further increase the number of permanently employed teachers.
However, Maseko explained that some contract teachers cannot yet be converted due to gaps in required qualifications. In some cases, educators may possess strong subject expertise, particularly in mathematics and science, but lack formal teaching qualifications.
“We do have educators who are academically qualified in their subject areas but do not yet have the required education qualifications. These are some of the issues we are addressing,” he said.
Encouragingly, the minister confirmed that a significant number of contract teachers do qualify for conversion and will be considered as the process continues.
At primary school level, the figures are even more encouraging. A total of 6 644 teachers are permanent and pensionable, making up 91 percent of the workforce, while only 630 teachers, or nine percent, are on contract.
These statistics, the minister said, dispel the perception that most teachers are employed on temporary terms.
“The data clearly shows that the majority of teachers in Eswatini are permanent and pensionable. We are continuing with the conversion process to ensure even more educators benefit from job security,” Maseko added.
The continued conversion of qualified teachers, coupled with efforts to address qualification gaps, reflects government’s broader commitment to improving teacher welfare, enhancing stability in schools, and ensuring the delivery of quality education across the country.
With sustained investment in human capital, the outlook for Eswatini’s education sector remains strong, positioning teachers at the centre of national development and future growth.
