By Nokunceda Magagula
The Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) 4321 through the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) has invited qualified candidates to apply for headteacher positions in both high and primary schools.
As detailed in the advertisement released by the TSC on Thursday, three primary school headteacher positions are vacant in different regions.
Joppa Primary School, located in the Shiselweni region, Emphumelelweni Primary School in the Hhohho region, and Lomahasha Primary School in the Lubombo region are seeking suitable candidates for leadership roles.
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Additionally, Six headteacher positions are available at the high school level in various schools across different regions. Matseni High School and Ngcoseni Central High School, both situated in the Manzini region, along with Mzaceni and Enhlanhleni High School from the Hhohho region, and Nsalitje2 and Phumelela High School in the Shiselweni region are among the institutions with vacancies.
The TSC has set specific eligibility criteria, emphasising that only candidates who have served as Deputy Head Teachers for a minimum of four years will be considered for these positions. Furthermore, the application process requires candidates to hand-deliver their applications to the respective Regional Education Offices. The deadline for submissions is set for January 11, 2024.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to carefully review the outlined criteria and submit their applications promptly to be considered for these prominent educational leadership roles.
Amid the call for qualified candidates to apply for headteacher positions, the MoET finds itself at a crucial juncture. On Friday, a significant development unfolded as the MoET engaged in a vital dialogue with the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) National Executive Committee (NEC) addressing the ongoing plight of unpaid teachers.
The meeting, held on January 5, 2024, focused on pressing issues, prominently the matter of unpaid teachers. The government, represented by the minister, issued a sincere apology and appealed to SNAT for the benefit of the doubt for the final time.
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A commitment was made during this pivotal meeting that, by Monday, all teachers would receive their long-overdue salaries. The government underscored the potential consequences of industrial action should this pledge remain unfulfilled.
In addition to addressing the salary issue, the ministry vowed to engage with all teachers before the commencement of the new school term. This commitment includes the re-engagement of teachers whose contracts had expired, with processes already in motion.
Following the meeting, the NEC decided to grant the minister the benefit of the doubt. However, a clear agreement was reached that if promises were not kept, comrades would be notified on Tuesday next week, and the union would consider necessary actions.
Despite the collective decision to defer any immediate actions, SNAT expects the government to fulfil its commitment by Monday. This encompasses the payment of all comrades, including relief teachers.
Under the leadership of SNAT SG Lot Vilakati, the union remains vigilant in ensuring the rights and well-being of teachers are safeguarded. Today, the focus of SNAT and its members remains sharply on the government’s actions, hoping for a positive resolution to the longstanding issue of unpaid salaries and the fulfilment of promises made to the teaching community.
The unfolding events present a critical backdrop as educators contemplate applications for headteacher positions amid the broader challenges faced in the education sector.
