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SIGCINENI – The Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) has called upon government to consider a speedy replacement of deceased teachers to ensure quality education in the country.

The association also urged government to consider replacing temporary teachers with permanent ones.

Speaking during the burial of the late Sigcineni Catholic Primary School teacher, Sandile Macanda Nkambule, the association’s Manzini branch Chairperson Muzi Mkhontfo said the delayed replacement of deceased teachers had a negative impact on the country’s education system.

Mkhontfo said the unfortunate part was that government did not consider a speedy replacement in the event a teacher died.

Challenge

“As an association, we have a challenge of the delayed replacement of deceased teachers in schools, yet we have many graduates sitting at home.

“Now that we have lost a teacher at Sigcineni Primanry School, the Grade VI pupils are likely to spend a year without a teacher to the detriment of the pupils. How then will you expect quality education if government does not consider replacing deceased teachers on time,” Mkhontfo said.

He stated that government’s attitude was a let down to the country’s desire to attain the sustainable development goal (SDG) no.4 by 2030.

This SDG seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

“The education system was better in Swaziland than in Eswatini,” he said.

Dr Amos Mahlalela, Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission (TSC), said head teachers knew the procedures concerning the replacement of teachers in schools. He stated that head teachers knew that they had to approach the regional education office (REO) for replacements once they identified posts in schools. He said the REO then approached the head quarters.

“People should not think that TSC goes around searching for vacant posts in schools. Schools have head teachers who are responsible for identifying posts and sending requests for replacejudgment.

(Pics: Sibusiso Shange) A section of the family members look on as a member of SNAT Burial Scheme adjust the blanket before the casket of the late Sandile Macanda Nkambule was lowered into the grave.

SNAT members gathered around their late colleague Nkambule’s grave as part of their customs.