PSAS MUST PAY FOR STRIKE DAMAGES - GOVERNMENT

MBABANE – A war of words has ensued between government and public sector associations (PSAs) following the havoc that reigned during a recent industrial action.

The industrial action that resulted in turmoil in the capital city – Mbabane and the hub of the country – Manzini, took place about a fortnight ago. During the protests that were motivated by the quest to attain a cost-of-living-adjustment (CoLA) by civil servants, a number of properties were destroyed in the mayhem. The impasse emanated from the fact that government has been offering zero per cent citing fiscal challenges, while they (public workers) demanded 7.85 per cent.

The PSAs that were engaged in the mass protest action were the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT), the National Public Service and Allied Workers Union (NAPSAWU) and the Swaziland National Association of Government Accounting Personnel (SNAGAP). Following the disorder, a member of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), Elvis Shabangu, in his supporting affidavit filed at the High Court, alleged that members of the respondents (SNAT and NAPSAWU) and their sympathisers went out of the designated areas and allegedly broke windows at SPM offices, Nkoseluhlaza Street, at VJR offices along Ngwane Street and at SNS Bottle Store situated along President Street in Manzini.

Injured

Shabangu also disclosed that three police officers were injured and they were rushed to the Raleigh Fitkin Memorial (RFM) Hospital where they were treated and discharged. He told the court that as a result, three protestors were arrested and charged for various offences. To this, the Minister of Public Service, Christian Ntshangase, who was questioned on who would foot the bill for the damaged property, said: “The Public Order Act is explicitly clear on who should foot the bill.” Ntshangase said, however, government was cognisant of the fact that the PSAs were its social partners in creating a harmonious and safe environment. However, he said government was willing to engage the PSAs and come up with a solution that would be great for all entities.

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