MPS REJECT JUNIOR OFFICERS’ PHASE II REPORT

LOBAMBA – Members of Parliament (MPs) rejected a Cabinet report seeking to clarify why it has taken long to resolve the salary restructuring grievance of junior security officers.

The report was delivered by Minister of Public Service Mabulala Maseko, who explained how a consultant had been engaged to work on the issue. He had further appealed for calm from all involved, while banking on the hope that the consultant would shed light on what must be done. However, the MPs were not pleased that the minister’s report insinuated that the junior officers had been awarded an eight per cent increment, inclusive of four per cent cost-of-living adjustment for all civil servants and another four per cent in which salaries of all officers were improved in 2022. Minister Maseko told the legislators that government has no reason to short-change the over 44 000 workers in its employ.

Servants

“I love all workers, including the police and warders. There are teachers, nurses and public servants in general. I wish that all 44 000 government workers would prosper. We have managed to address a number of issues affecting workers.  We don’t get the adequate budget for accommodation for all civil servants. When we get the budget, we always increase the housing facilities indiscriminately.” He said the issue of police officers and warders dates back to 2014. “Our country is at peace because of the work they do. They are better than some civil servants, because they occupy institutional houses, even though some are sharing. They get allowances for being police officers and warders. Sometimes they get food while on duty, which does not happen to some civil servants,” he said. Minister Maseko further explained that in 2008, there was a move to align junior officers’ salaries, so that police and warders would get paid on the same scale with soldiers.

“Then in 2014, it was found that there were inconsistencies in that police and warders were earning lower than a commander in the army, yet they did the same kind of work. This was in the case of the national commissioner (NATCOM), and the commissioner general (COMGEN).”  He said this was also rectified. The minister said police officers started experiencing disparities when compared with their counterparts in the army. It was then resolved in government that there would be Phase II to align this.  “This work was not done for many years until 2022, when we decided to give four per cent to everyone.” He appealed to all involved to give a chance to the consultant to resolve the issue.

“It will be better if this issue is addressed by a neutral party, so that it can be seamless,” he said. He quoted Circular No.5 of 2022, which states that in the event there is a grievance, it must be addressed by the consultant. “We have ensured that the consultant is eventually hired to do the work. As we speak, the consultant is working. It is going department by department. It has also visited the REPS twice. The staff association was also consulted for input. “What I want to emphasise is that as government is doing the work, we must cooperate, not to keep moving motions as such will disturb the processes that are already in motion,” he appealed.

Gege MP Magesi Dlamini wanted to know if the developments were communicated to the junior officers. “My question is, was this communicated to them, so that they do not expect more? Why was there an assurance that they would get Phase II at a later stage? These are our children and relatives. One who is in security should not have a grievance. If that happens, then we are in trouble, because we all rely on the police for safety. The police are dying and some are killing themselves. They perceive suicide as an option, because they are frustrated,” he said.

Ngwemphisi MP Bishop Bhekibandla Vilakati said government must take this matter seriously, because some officers are so broke that they keep asking people for cold drink money.
Nkomiyahlaba MP Mduduzi Dlamini declared that he is a police officer and said he is deeply concerned about the issue.  “My minister of Tinkhundla has outlined it well. The PM has clearly stated that we must not incite violence. Government is the one that should lead by example. This issue does not sit well with the nation out there. I know that police officers are patient, but the minister must tell the truth. What he is saying is far from the truth. He says he was aligning the salaries with those of SADC. That is not true because police officers in Eswatini do not get paid on the same scale with those of South Africa.”However, Minister Maseko said he was being misquoted as government was merely aligning the salaries of police officers with those of the army. Mayiwane MP Sicelo ‘Khunga Nkhosi’ Dlamini also declared that he is a police officer and will remain so until he dies.

Affiliated

“I am not affiliated to any political party in SA or outside.  It is a pity that when you speak the truth, they align you with a political party. You may hide the truth for so many years in the deep ocean, but one day it will come out. What is delaying the minister from implementing Phase II? This report of the minister must be thrown out of the window. The minister of Public Service must help us to implement Phase II.” He quoted a statement made by the minister in 2022, saying government would give junior officers four per cent, which will cushion them, while waiting for the finalisation of Phase II. Manzini Region MP Thandeka Mavuso said Phase II was never implemented.  “It is shameful that the minister can bring to the House an untrue report. Akangabhebheteli umlilo kunemoya. This is not a joke. Our children are involved here.”

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