Africa-Press – Eswatini. Government has appealed for calm among public servants and urged all stakeholders to allow it to prioritise the implementation of the E1.1 billion salary adjustment scheduled for July 2026.
This follows a failure to reach an agreement with Public Sector Unions (PSUs) over the proposed April 2026 notching during a special Joint Negotiations Forum (JNF) meeting held on Monday, 13 April 2026, in Mbabane.
Focus on July Obligations
Speaking after the meeting, Ministry of Public Service Principal Secretary Mthunzi Shabangu said Government’s immediate priority is to fulfil its July 2026 commitments.
Shabangu urged PSUs to support Government in focusing on what can realistically be delivered this year, noting that the July adjustment, which includes payment of 85 per cent of the outstanding back pay, requires a substantial budget allocation of E1.1 billion.
“We are pleading with our workers to allow us to concentrate on the obligation at hand so that we do not fail to honour the commitments we have already made,” said Shabangu.
Background to the Salary Agreement
Shabangu explained that during last year’s negotiations, Government and unions agreed on a staggered salary adjustment plan covering 2025 and 2026.
As part of that agreement, Government paid 15 per cent of the back pay in October 2025, with the remaining 85 per cent scheduled for payment in July 2026.
The total cost of the salary adjustment agreement stands at E1.643 billion.
He noted that when the agreement was reached, no provision had been made for additional costs such as the April 2026 notching demand, which has since complicated implementation plans.
Impact of Additional Demands
According to Shabangu, incorporating the April notching into the current financial framework would place significant strain on Government resources and could potentially jeopardise the July payment plan.
“The E1.1 billion allocation for July would have been affected had we factored in the April notching request,” he said, describing the situation as an unforeseen development that has introduced complexities into an already demanding financial commitment.
Consultation with Cabinet
Following the deadlock at the JNF meeting, Shabangu confirmed that Government would escalate the matter to Cabinet for guidance.
“We will be consulting Cabinet to seek direction on how best to proceed,” he said, adding that discussions are scheduled for Tuesday, 14 April 2026.
Unions Push Back
Meanwhile, Public Sector Unions have taken steps to mobilise their members and provide direction following the inconclusive talks.
In a joint statement, union leaders expressed concern over what they described as Government’s “deceptive posture” during negotiations, particularly regarding the delayed implementation of the Salary Review Exercise.
Originally scheduled for 2021, the review only began rolling out in October 2025—a delay unions say has significantly disadvantaged civil servants.
Key Areas of Contention
At the centre of the dispute is the implementation of the 2025 Salary Review Exercise under what both parties reportedly agreed to as Scenario 3, which provides for full implementation of recommended salary scales.
While 15 per cent back pay was paid in 2025, the remaining 85 per cent is expected in July 2026.
However, tensions have escalated over “notching”, an automatic salary progression mechanism. Unions insist that notching is a right governed by existing frameworks, including the Patterson grading system, and should not be subject to negotiation.
They further allege that Government’s failure to implement notching in April 2026 amounts to a suspension of this right, contrary to provisions outlined in General Order A208.
Call for Mass Meeting
In response, unions have called on their members to attend a mass meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 14 April 2026, at the SNAT Centre in Manzini.
The meeting is expected to provide feedback on the JNF deliberations and allow members to collectively determine the way forward.
Union leaders have urged maximum attendance, rallying members under the call: “Siyonqoba simunye!” (We will conquer together).
Leaders Speak with One Voice
The joint statement was issued by union leaders Zwelithini Vilakati (SNAT Secretary General), Phumzile Masilela (SNAGAP Secretary General), Vusimeto Malindzisa (NAPSAWU Acting Secretary General), and Mayibongwe Masangane (SWADNU Secretary General).
Their unified stance underscores growing concern across the public sector and highlights the seriousness of the ongoing impasse.
Uncertain Road Ahead
With both Government and unions standing firm, the outcome of Cabinet consultations and the unions’ mass meeting could prove decisive.
Thousands of public servants now await clarity on whether additional demands will be accommodated or whether Government will proceed strictly with its July 2026 obligations.
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