By Bongiwe Dlamini

MBABANE:Thulisile Dladla,the Deputy Prime Minister(DPM) has threatened parents or guardians who fail to sent their children to school under the Free Primary Education(FPE) with arrest.

In a press statement released on Tuesday,the DPM reminded parents to abide by the Children Protection and Welfare Act of 2012 to avoid possible prosecution.

“It is disheartening to note increasing number of children of school going age roaming the streets and not attending school. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister cautions parents/guardians not to abdicate their duty to be involved in their children’s upbringing as positive role models.This year, the office of the Deputy Prime Minister will up-scale efforts to monitor these children and will implement and enforce relevant provisions of the Children Protection and Welfare Act.Those parents/ guardians found to be on the wrong side of the law will be prosecuted”, said the DPM through the press statement.

But Lot Vilakati, the Secretary General of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers(SNAT), when asked by this Swaziland News to clarify if the situation in schools was conducive for children to learn said, Government was yet to pay school fees and provide equipment under the Free Primary Education(FPE).

“We have contacted some Headteachers and they confirmed that Government hasn’t paid monies under Free Primary Education, stationary is yet to be delivered. Furthermore, contract are yet to sign their contract and this means no contract teacher has signed a contract for now,”said the SNAT Secretary General when speaking to editor Zweli Martin Dlamini.