MBABANE: Mbongwa Dlamini, the President of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT)has warned Government against intimidating their members who didn't report for duty on Monday amid security threats.
This comes after the closure of schools across the country, the order was issued by the Commander of the Swaziland International Solidarity Forces (SISF). Government through the offices of the Regional Education Officers (REO's) ordered Headteachers to provide feedback on schools operations.
Speaking to this Swaziland News on Monday, the SNAT President confirmed that most schools were closed for safety reasons adding that Government should follow the law when dealing with this matter.
“We would like to warn Government against intimidating our members who were not at work today(Monday). Section 18 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act clearly stipulates that an employee has a right to remove himself from danger and be entitled to full pay”,said the SNAT President.
In a memorandum released on Monday, Manzini REO Sizwe Kunene requested all Headteachers in the region to provide feedback on schools operations.
"This should include(a)Attendance by educators,(b) Attendance by the learners (c)Comments on teaching and learning process,” reads the memo in part.
Bhekithemba Gama, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education had not responded to our questions at the time of compiling this report.
Eswatini is in the midst of a political unrest after King Mswati unleashed his forces to shoot and kill dozens of civilians merely for demanding democratic reforms.
A memo released by the Regional Education Offices(REOs).