E86mln for over 43000 Civil Servants’ sweetener

E86mln for over 43000 Civil Servants’ sweetener

By Thokozani Mazibuko

Civil servants in Eswatini are set to have a blissful Christmas as they are set to share an E86 million sweetener as part of their 1 per cent bonus.

Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg announced that the government has set aside E86 million to facilitate a once-off salary payment for public sector employees.

He said the payment was a significant component of the recently negotiated Cost-of-Living Adjustment (CoLA) agreement with the Public Sector Unions (PSUs).

The civil servants will smile all the way to the bank and cash out 1 per cent of their annual pay. During an exclusive interview with the Eswatini Financial Times (EFT), Rijkenberg stated, “The once-off salary payment was discussed and agreed upon during negotiations for the CoLA.

There are no implications in its implementation; it was holistically catered for in this year’s National Budget in the Wage Bill,” he said.

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This statement underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that civil servants receive adequate compensation during these challenging economic times.

As of 2024, Eswatini’s civil service comprises 43,751 employees, 40,096 of whom hold graded positions and 3,655 in ungraded roles, as confirmed by Minister of Public Service Mabulala Maseko. The introduction of the once-off payment is anticipated to provide a much-needed financial boost for these employees.

Considering ongoing economic challenges and rising costs of living, the announcement of the E86 million allocation is expected to alleviate some of the financial pressures faced by civil servants.

Furthermore, in a bid to ensure that salaries remain competitive and equitable, the government has engaged a consultant to benchmark the salaries of civil servants.

A comprehensive salary review is set to be implemented in the next financial year, which hopes to address discrepancies and ensure that public sector salaries align with market standards.

This strategic initiative comes at a crucial time, as civil servant wage negotiations and economic sustainability remain at the forefront of national discourse.

The government’s proactive approach in budgeting for the once-off salary payment reflects its recognition of the vital role civil servants play in the functioning of the state and the well-being of its citizens.

The implementation of the once-off salary payment and the forthcoming salary review signals a commitment to improving the conditions of civil service employment and supporting workers as they navigate through the economic challenges posed by inflation and rising living costs.

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As developments unfold, many will be watching closely to see the impact of these measures on the morale of civil servants and the overall public sector performance in Eswatini.

The expectation is that with adequate financial compensation, civil servants will be better equipped to serve the nation effectively and efficiently.

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