Times Of Swaziland: USAID WOES: GLOOM SETS IN AS HUNDREDS EXPECT LAST PAY

USAID WOES: GLOOM SETS IN AS HUNDREDS EXPECT LAST PAY
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Sebentile Shongwe and Mnelisi Dlamini on 07/03/2025 11:30:00


MBABANE – About 500 workers employed by organisations funded by the USAID were
informed that their contracts will end at the end of March.
Employees of programmes funded by USAID under NERCHA went home dejected after
the Ministry of Health gave them an unclear response on their fate in the
programmes.The meeting had been convened by the Ministry of Health’s Principal
Secretary (PS) Khanya Mabuza. Some of the workers were attached to the National
Emergency Response Council on HIV/AIDS (NERCHA) and were funded by UNAIDS.
A credible source revealed that Mabuza addressed the workers at the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation concerning their fate as the
current funding cycle comes to an end. It was said that the PS mentioned that
the donor has closed its doors of funding, halting all programmes that were
being funded by them. The meeting was attended by over 80 employees who were
stationed all over the country’s medical facilities, all of whom were directly
impacted by the UNAIDS funding.
Continuation
The primary objective of the ministry was to address the looming uncertainty
surrounding the continuation of their employment. However, the session appears
to have generated significant anxiety among the staff. The central concern
revolves around the expiration of their contracts at the end of March. Employees
repeatedly sought clarification on the implications of this deadline, asking
directly: “What does the end of the month mean for our contracts? Will we be
paid for March, and will our contracts be terminated?”
Some employees questioned Mabuza repeatedly seeking a definite answer on what
happens at month-end because they have to pay rent, pay school fees or switch
their children to different school. Concrete answers to these pressing questions
were reportedly scarce. The source said the PS mentioned that he would sign
letters and distribute them, explaining more about the fate of their
contracts.This has led to widespread apprehension, with many employees now
facing the prospect of sudden unemployment.
Employees
A critical point of contention is government’s plan for these employees after
March. The source indicated that the PS did not provide clear assurances or
detailed strategies for their future. This lack of transparency has fuelled
speculation and heightened anxiety among the affected staff. Another significant
concern that was allegedly not addressed was regarding terminal benefits. A
source questioned if they would receive any compensation for their service.
The question of terminal benefits remained largely unanswered, adding to the
growing sense of insecurity. In an interview, the employees said the lack of
clarity has created a stressful environment, and the coming weeks will be
critical in determining their fate.