E23m for ministers' retirement

These teachers are those who are holders of degree qualifications and are paid on scale C5 notch 3.

The basic monthly salary for a teacher in this salary grade is E10 624.33.

Government through the controversial Finance Circular No. 1 is expected to pay the PM and his cabinet, 18 ministers, over E23 million when they leave office next year. The total figure to be paid by government as terminal benefit for these politicians is E23 299 475.10.

This money is reserved only for the PM and his cabinet.

Calculations done by the Times SUNDAY reveal that the PM would be paid E1 429 415.10 when he leaves office next year.

The Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) would be paid E1 286 475 while ministers would be paid E1 143 532 each.

Excluding the PM and DPM, there are 18 ministers and government, on the ministers only, would spend E20 583 585.

The calculations were done based on figures drawn from the politicians’ basic salaries and using the reference of Finance Circular No.1 of 2010 on the clause on benefits.

Government spends E127 491 a year on a teacher who is a holder of a degree in the teaching profession.

Even though teachers’ salaries are upgraded according to the number of years a particular teacher has served in the profession, the standard pay after probation is E10 624.33.

This then means that when the E23 299 475. 10 government has reserved for politicians in respect of the circular when they vacate office, by the E127 491 paid to a teacher a year, 183 teachers would be paid for a year.

However, when you divide the above benefits by the E10 624.33 paid to teachers per month, it appears government can pay salaries for 2 193 teachers for one month. There are about 14 000 teachers in Swaziland.

Currently, teachers are engaged in an indefinite strike dubbed ‘Waya waya’ (never-ending), demanding a 4.5 per cent cost of living adjustment.

The PM has categorically stated that government would not afford paying the demanded 4.5 per cent.

Sibongile Mazibuko, president of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT), says as long as Finance Circular No.1 has not be remove or suspended, it will be hard for teachers to accept that government has no money.

Mazibuko wondered how many primary school teachers would benefit or be paid from the politicians’ total exit package under the circular.

"Take for instance, how many primary school teachers, who earn E5 000, which is half of what ministers are paid as telephone allowance could be paid. We have said it as SNAT that we are not fighting or demanding that teachers be paid salaries equal to those of ministers. All we want is that salaries should be fair," she said.

She said it remained undisputed that the circular should be withdrawn.

Comments

This country is being led the animal farm style, where the pigs enjoyed a lavish life, much against the agony of the majority poor animals.
Jul 22, 2012, 4:37 PM, Animal Farm

Thank u very much 2 the MTN - Swaziland in partnership with the Times of Swaziland for accomodation of the online News via Opera Mini.Even if we dont have the time 2 go and buy da hardcopy of the Times of Swaziland,we jst browse through and get up2 date News.Lokuhle kuyadvunyiswa Maswati Lamahle,Loku kuhle,there'z no doubt...Bt nisehlisele da cost,Umnotfo utjekile nani niyati.Lol. By Mpendricks!
Jul 22, 2012, 4:37 PM, Mpendricks Motlakwanhe (mpendricks7@gmail.com)

I want 2 b'liv d@ d 4.5% salary increment askd by teachers has 2 b upped. Lookin @ whts happenin in d country u dnt need to be a rocket scientist 2 prove d@ Swaziland hs a lot of money. So teachers have 2 nw ask 4 at least 10% increment
Jul 22, 2012, 4:37 PM, Msandrise (msandie@gmail.com)

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