By Ncaba Ntshakala
University of Eswatini (UNESWA) staff have expressed gratitude to the Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, for ensuring the payment of their salaries.
However, they have raised concerns over the Minister’s recent statements regarding government payments to the institution.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Nxumalo claimed that the government had paid all monies owed to the university, including quarterly subvention payments and tuition fees for government-sponsored students, by November 19, 2024.
This assertion has sparked controversy among UNESWA staff, who argue that their lived experiences do not align with these statements.
Dr. Mduduzi Shongwe, Secretary General of the Association of Lecturers, Academic and Administrative Personnel (ALAAP), acknowledged the effort made by the Minister in facilitating salary payments.
However, he contested Nxumalo’s claims, stating that the realities on the ground at UNESWA paint a different picture.
He questioned which university was referred to during the press conference, as the conditions at UNESWA suggest otherwise.
RELATED: Minister Owen refutes claims of government non-payment to UNESWA
Shongwe pointed to the commotion triggered earlier in the week by an interview on Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services’ Letishisako programme.
In that interview, Acting Registrar Richard Masuku openly admitted that the university had failed to pay November salaries, utilities, and other essential obligations due to a lack of funds.
Masuku attributed the financial shortfall to delayed government disbursements, including tuition fees for students and the monthly subvention.
he Minister, however, vehemently denied these claims during the press conference, insisting that the government had fulfilled all financial obligations to the university.
Dr Shongwe emphasized that as unions, they stand firmly with Masuku, as they are the ones most directly affected by the university’s financial struggles.
He highlighted the dire consequences of the institution’s challenges, including the loss of loved ones due to the absence of a functional medical aid scheme.
Shongwe expressed his pain over hearing claims during the press conference that the government had paid the university in full, while at the negotiation table, they were told otherwise.
“Nalolokushiwo ngu-Vice Chancellor futsi asikwati, asati kutsi abekhuluma ngayiphi iUniversity. Lesikwatiko tsine nalesikuphilako ngunaku lokushiwo ngu Mr. Masuku ekuseni ku-radio ekuseni.
Futsi as Unions sima naMasuku kulesenteko and we are not apologetic for doing so,” he said. “We are the ones labeva lemitselela directly yalokuyekelelwa kweNyuvesi ngalendlela.
Sitinyonyane silahlekelwe tihlobo tetfu ngekubate kwemedical aid and kubuhlungu kuva sekutsiwa namuhla imali hulumende uyayifaka eNyuvesi kepha tsine etafuleni sitjelwa kutsi imali anikayifaki ninguhulumende.”
Shongwe further revealed that staff had been informed by the Minister that all monies owed to UNESWA had been paid as of November 19.
However, upon inquiry, they learned that tuition fees, a critical component of the university’s funding, had not been received.
These funds are vital as they cover essential commitments, including SwaziMed, pensions, and gratuities. Shongwe called for proof of payment to verify the Minister’s claims, suggesting that the university’s management might not have been truthful in its communications with staff.
“Sine interest in the tuition as Unions because kwatsiwa ngiyo letobhadala Swazimed, pension, our gratuities, etc.
, so singajabula kuthola any proof of payment, ngenhlonipho Ndvuna, sitokhona kuya nayo kuManagement kusasa sifike sitsi nali liphepha, hulumende weMbube ubhadele, fakani imali yetfu kaPension, ENPF, etc.”
In response, Minister Owen Nxumalo urged patience, stating that the matter would be clarified by a Task Team report expected in mid-December.
RELATED: World Bank injects E3 million to revamp collapsing UNESWA through Task Team
He asserted that the report would shed light on how funds were utilized and whether the university’s administration had acted appropriately.
Nxumalo maintained that the comments made by Masuku demonstrated disrespect to the nation, prompting the university’s administration to issue a retraction.
He further stated that the management is privy to all financial dealings with the government and that these matters are strict between the government and the university administration.
In WhatsApp messages obtained by Eswatini Daily News, the Minister wrote: “Asimeleni I report njengoba ngishito kutsi iyeta mid-December ngulapho sitobona khona kutsi timali tisebenta njani.
Lokushiwo ngu Masuku kukuwe kutsi uyakusekela noma cha. Kepha sento sakhe sikhombise kudzelela live hence the retraction by Uneswa administration.
Yi administration latiko ngetimali letiletfwa ngu Govt and loko its between Govt and the administration,” the Minister wrote to Shongwe.
