EZULWIN – Minister for Education and Training Owen Nxumalo says His Majesty King Mswati III loves teachers and values their contribution to national development.
Speaking during the Speech and Prize Giving Day at Somnjalose High School, Nxumalo said the Head of State has oftentimes directed government to prioritise addressing the challenges teachers face.
The minister said the teaching profession remains one of the most important pillars of the country’s progress, stressing that it is the King’s wish to see teachers properly supported and motivated.
“The King loves teachers and appreciates the important role they play in shaping the nation. We must correct the misconception that the King does not care about teachers. On the contrary, he wants their welfare improved,” insisted the minister.
He said His Majesty was aware of the many challenges faced by them and his desire is to see teachers enjoying better working conditions and living in decent accommodation.
Among the challenges the minister listed were the shortage of teaching materials, delayed promotions and the burden of teaching under difficult circumstances, particularly in rural schools.
Nxumalo said his ministry was already taking bold steps to address these issues through improved teacher deployment, the construction of staff houses and ensuring timely provision of learning materials. He also reiterated government’s commitment to ending the employment of teachers on a contract basis by 2030, describing it as part of the broader plan to stabilise the education sector.
The minister has further reiterated earlier calls to have school fees standardised across the country, noting that education has been made expensive by schools which are charging high fees.
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‘… no more contract teachers by 2030’
EZULWINI – Minister for Education and Training Owen Nxumalo has vowed to end the employment of teachers on a contract basis by 2030.
He said it is time to restore stability and dignity in the teaching profession.
Nxumalo made these utterances during the Speech and Prize Giving day at Somnjalose High School, which also witnessed the launch of the school’s new traditional attire policy.
Speaking during the event, the minister came hard on the over two decade practice of hiring teachers on contract terms, stating that it was not sustainable and negatively affected their morale and long-term planning.
“It is my desire to improve the welfare of teachers and bring an end to the system of employing teachers on contract basis, which will allow our dedicated teachers to work with a sense of security and commitment,” Nxumalo said.
He promised to engage relevant stakeholders to ensure the necessary policy changes and budget allocations were made to absorb all qualified teachers into permanent posts.
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Ignorance of culture embarrassing – ENCAC CEO
EZULWINI – ENCAC CEO Stanley Dlamini has commended the prioritisation of culture at Somnjalose High School.
Dlamini said it is disheartening and embarrassing to see some people failing to wear the traditional attire properly. He said many countries around the world, especially in Asia and the Middle East, valued their culture and traditional ways to the extent that they were also integrated into the schools’ curriculum.
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Promote patriotism, urges head teacher
EZULWINI – The head teacher of Somnjalose High School, Macandza Mamba has expressed his excitement at the demonstration of patriotism and love for the country.
He said the school has put more effort in promoting love for the country, its culture and tradition. He said they relayed this love to the pupils.
The head teacher, speaking during yesterday’s event, said the school saw it fit to introduce lihiya unique to the school’s colours, as a way of fostering patriotism among pupils.
Mamba, announced that beginning next year, learners will wear the lihiya every Friday, with the cost already included in school fees.
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