By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE:Owen Nxumalo, the Minister of Education and Training has been ‘red-flagged’ by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini amid his alleged proximity to SNAT, the Swaziland National Association of Teachers.

This disclosure comes after this Swaziland News reported that, a fight erupted in Cabinet on Tuesday between the PM and the Education Minister, Deputy Prime Minister(DPM) Thuli Dladla who tried to intervene was told by the angry PM to shut-up.

But now, further information has emerged suggesting that, the PM “wants the Education Minister to explain why he was more closer to SNAT instead of the Teaching Service Commission(CSC)”, the Prime Minister is also alleged to be against the Education Minister’s proximity to the DPM.

Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli declined to comment about the alleged fight that erupted during the Cabinet meeting.

Responding to this Swaziland News on Friday evening, Lot Vilakati, the SNAT Secretary General clarified that, the trade union does not have a permanent relationship with the Education Minister adding that, “teachers are appreciating his ongoing efforts” to transform and improve the education system.

“It is important to clarify that, we don’t have a relationship with anyone in Cabinet not even the Education Minister. But, teachers are appreciating Owen Nxumalo after he demonstrated a desire to improve and transform the education system including their lives. Owen Nxumalo is the first Education Minister to allow teachers to participate in their Teachers Day and he did not end there but, graced the event. He also appointed a Committee to investigate if the current education system is still relevant. Yabona wena Nkhosi tisebenti atiyuze tibe ne-relationship neMcashi ngoba the interests are not the same kodvwa tiyaye timjabulele vele uMcashi uma tibona enta imitamo to improve their lives, the relationship is always temporary not permanent. Teachers were very happy to see their Minister gracing the Teachers Day event and to allow them to celebrate their Day. So if the Prime Minister wants to see change of attitude towards him, he must just approve a salary review, urge Government to respect court orders reinstating President Mbongwa Dlamini and further introduce policies promoting the rights of the workers,” said the SNAT Secretary General.