Africa-Press – Eswatini. Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg has cautioned that government is unable to take on additional financial obligations, citing the high cost of implementing the ongoing salary review for civil servants.
Speaking from Washington, DC in the United States on Friday, 17 April 2026, the minister indicated that government has already committed approximately E2 billion towards civil servants’ salaries for the 2026/27 financial year.
Salary Bill Limits Additional Spending
Rijkenberg explained that the significant allocation towards salaries has limited government’s ability to accommodate further expenditure, including additional adjustments such as notching. He noted that some development projects have already had to be deferred in order to prioritise salary-related commitments, highlighting the scale of the financial burden on the national budget.
The remarks come amid growing tensions between government and civil servants, who had anticipated the implementation of salary notching in April.
Tax Revenue and Economic Stability at Stake
The minister stressed that public sector wages are funded through taxpayer revenue, and warned that increasing expenditure beyond current limits could have broader economic consequences.
He said excessive spending could strain the economy, affect revenue collection, and potentially impact employment levels. In turn, this could compromise government’s ability to meet its financial obligations, including salaries and back pay.
Rijkenberg called for understanding from all stakeholders, urging both public and private sector workers to consider the wider economic implications of increased spending.
Proposal to Link Salary Adjustments to Economic Performance
Looking ahead, the minister suggested that government may need to consider linking cost of living adjustments (CoLA) to the country’s economic performance, particularly Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He explained that such a model would help ensure that salary increases are aligned with economic realities, making them more sustainable over time.
According to Rijkenberg, it would not be viable to implement salary increases when the economy is underperforming, as this could create long-term financial instability.
Call for Collective Effort to Grow the Economy
The minister urged emaSwati across all sectors to work together to strengthen the economy, noting that sustainable growth would create room for improved wages and broader development. He emphasised that cooperation between government, workers, and the private sector is essential in maintaining economic stability and ensuring that future salary adjustments can be supported.
As discussions around public sector wages continue, government maintains that fiscal discipline remains a priority in safeguarding the country’s economic future.
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