MBABANE – It is good news for security forces and all civil servants as the minister for Public Service announces the latest developments on Phase II and the salary review exercise.
Regarding the Phase II adjustment, the minister announced that they are on the last lap of the exercise, only waiting to do final consultations.
This means that there is light at the end of the tunnel for junior police and Correctional Services officers.
Minister Mabulala Maseko gave the assurance after senators touched on the matter, encouraging the ministry to speed up the exercise to avoid possible conflict that could disturb the prevailing peace in the country.
This was during the ministry’s portfolio committee debate on the first quarter performance report for the financial year 2025/26, in Parliament yesterday. The minister also gave an assurance that the ministry will deliver in time on the six-week extension that the ministry requested to undertake the salary review exercise.
Senator Prince Kekela submitted that the minister should ensure that conflict is not ignited as a result of people not benefitting from what they are supposed to benefit from, without specifically mentioning the Phase II exercise. He submitted that the ministry has to undertake what it is supposed to, and do so with urgency.
The legislator said the ministry was the one that was ensuring that the country maintained peace and that was achieved through prioritising the livelihood of the civil servants.
He said if the minister works transparently and truthfully, no conflict can emerge.
“If there is nothing that the minister can offer, he should state it openly and let the nation know, but if there is something he can bring to the table, he should do so without any delay because delays ignite conflict. This should be done to maintain peace and order, kuyekelwe emanga,” he said.
The matter started on July 7, 2014, when government, through the Ministry of Public Service, issued Circular No.2 of 2014 for the implementation of the restructuring programme for the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) and His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS).
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