By Ncaba Ntshakala
The Ministry of Education and Training has shared that payments for free primary education (FPE) will be available by the end of next week.
This update came after concerns were raised by the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) regarding the reopening of schools.
The Ministry assured that the payments are already being processed and are in the Treasury, ready for distribution or deposit by the end of the upcoming week.
The announcement followed previous statements by Acting Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education,
Naniki Mnisi, who emphasized that schools must continue operating as usual despite rumours shared by some that schools opening have to be postponed due to the incoming Shiselweni Umhlanga.
RELATED: Investigate barriers to quality education – Minister Owen to Task Team
Mnisi had earlier reassured the public, stating that the Ministry had addressed several issues prior to the third term’s opening, including concerns about food shortages and the delay in payments.
According to Mnisi, food supplies were delivered to schools before the end of the previous term, and she expressed confidence that the provisions would last until the end of the month.
Ngcebo Hlophe, a teacher from one of the Manzini schools, speaking about the payment update, commended the Ministry for its swift action.
“We appreciate the swift response from the Ministry of Education because education is pivotal to our children, and the schools cannot function without funds,” the teacher said.
While acknowledging that government processes sometimes experience delays, Hlophe expressed gratitude for the Ministry’s timely response to the concerns raised.
RELATED: Eswatini on par with EU countries on free education and healthcare
In addition, the Ministry of Education confirmed that they had reached agreements on various issues with SNAT which was said to signal ongoing cooperation and efforts to ensure a smooth school term.
According to Hlophe, the swift handling of the free primary education payments highlights the Ministry’s dedication to ensuring that schools can continue operating without disruption.
