By Ncaba Ntshakala
The government of Eswatini has strongly condemned the recent altercation between members of the Swaziland National Teachers Association (SNAT) and the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), urging the leadership of the teachers’ association to uphold ethical and professional conduct.
Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo issued a statement addressing the widely publicized incident, emphasizing that SNAT, as a reputable and professional organization, is expected to demonstrate responsible leadership in addressing the concerns of its members.
Nxumalo expressed disappointment over the manner in which SNAT executives allegedly confronted the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) and disrupted operations within the Ministry of Education and Training.
“The behaviour displayed by SNAT leadership in their alleged siege of TSC Commissioners and within the Ministry of Education and Training premises remains an irrational and unacceptable conduct,” he stated.
He further noted that SNAT, as an institution representing the country’s educators, should maintain conduct that is exemplary and above reproach, as it plays a critical role in shaping societal values.
The government also reminded SNAT that the issue they were raising is still pending in court and should therefore not have been used as a point of contention to escalate tensions.
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“Government wishes to further refresh the memory of the leadership of SNAT that the matter they are using to stoke tensions is pending in court (sub judice),” Nxumalo said.
He pointed out that both the government and the TSC are awaiting the court’s determination on the issue, meaning the commission cannot deliberate on a matter that is still before the courts.
Furthermore, he stated that SNAT had already been made aware of this position by their own attorneys as well as by the TSC itself.
Nxumalo highlighted that, despite not having an official appointment, the TSC commissioners went out of their way to accommodate SNAT representatives in an impromptu meeting, demonstrating goodwill on their part.
However, the government expressed concern over the way SNAT allegedly handled the situation, which eventually led to the intervention of law enforcement.
“It is also disappointing to note that notwithstanding the fact that SNAT did not secure an official appointment with TSC,
the Commissioners went out of their way and accommodated the impromptu meeting, which later was treated with total disdain by the SNAT leadership, leading to the decision by TSC to request leave from the meeting,” Nxumalo explained.
When the commissioners left, SNAT reportedly refused to vacate the offices, prompting police intervention. According to the government, the incident could have been avoided had SNAT leadership cooperated with law enforcement and respected the processes set in place.
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The government further condemned remarks allegedly made by SNAT Secretary General Lot Vilakati, who, according to media reports, made negative statements about the police force.
Nxumalo dismissed any suggestion that the police acted unprofessionally, instead asserting that REPS remains a well-trained and disciplined institution committed to enforcing the country’s laws.
“To the contrary, the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) is a well-trained and disciplined service. They are also professional in terms of compliance with the laws of the land as they enforce them.
To suggest otherwise is therefore not only undermining, but also disrespectful to the Service,” he said.
In his statement, Nxumalo cautioned SNAT’s leadership against allowing political elements to infiltrate and influence the association’s agenda.
He stressed that SNAT’s primary mandate is the welfare of teachers and that diverting from this core mission could erode the organization’s credibility.
“Government wishes to urge the current leadership of SNAT to avoid allowing their highly regarded and glorious organisation to be hijacked by political activists,” he stated.
He added that SNAT has historically been an institution of integrity, and its role as a professional body should not be compromised.
Nxumalo further expressed that teachers hold a special place in society, as they are responsible for shaping generations of emaSwati.
Given this, their representative body must exemplify discipline, responsibility, and a commitment to constructive engagement.
“Society as a whole is looking up to SNAT in order to learn and internalise good and acceptable principles and values of life as almost all members of society are a product of teachers in the country,” he said.
The government, while acknowledging the importance of dialogue, urged SNAT to engage with relevant authorities through structured and professional channels rather than resorting to actions that create conflict and disrupt institutional processes.