MINISTER OWEN NXUMALO’S UNEXPECTED ALLIANCE WITH SNAT: A BREATH OF FRESH AIR FOR TEACHERS

In an unprecedented shift eSwatini, the current Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, has adopted a cordial relationship with the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) – a clear departure from the often tense dynamics of his predecessors.

His approach is garnering attention, not just from teachers but from the public at large, especially as it is far different from the combative relationships previous Ministers maintained with the teachers' union.

Historically, the Ministry of Education has not been a haven of cooperation for teachers. Former Ministers such as Makhalemphi Ntshangase, Lady Howard Mabuza, and Phineas Magagula – ironically some of whom were once educators themselves – had fractious, even hostile relationships with SNAT. Magagula, a former SNAT member, and the others were known for pursuing the union’s leadership and adopting policies that were viewed as oppositional. This attitude raised questions about whether these Ministers were acting out of personal inclination or as a strategy to curry favour with the ruling establishment, which has a well-documented aversion to civil society, including trade unions.

Minister Nxumalo has taken a much more congenial approach toward SNAT and teachers as a whole. From small but significant gestures, such as extending teachers’ holidays and providing operational resources to SNAT during the Southern Africa Teachers’ Organization (SATO) games, to more symbolic actions, like marching alongside union members in events connected to the games, Nxumalo’s demeanour exudes collaboration rather than confrontation.

This rapport was on full display during the recent Teachers’ Day event hosted at Esibayeni Lodge, Matsapha. Not only was the SNAT leadership present – something almost unimaginable in recent times – but Nxumalo himself addressed the gathering, further deepening his ties with the union. For the first time in years, the Ministry of Education has officially permitted teachers to attend this year's Teachers’ Day celebrations at Mavuso, Manzini, a move that underscored Nxumalo’s willingness to endorse events important to the teaching profession, a direct opposite of what his predecessors did, who either remained silent or actively discouraged such celebrations.

Nxumalo’s approach has not gone unnoticed. In fact, his amiability has earned him the affectionate title “Handsome” from eSwatini’s teachers, in a way symbolizing the relief and hope his leadership has inspired in an often-underappreciated profession. Teachers, who have long been left to fend for themselves in their relations with the Ministry, are now experiencing a level of support they have not seen in years.

The implications of this shift extend beyond just the teachers since eSwatini is a nation where nearly every household has a direct or indirect connection to a teacher. Nxumalo’s actions are increasingly resonating with the wider public, as he taps into a powerful constituency beyond teachers. By winning the hearts of teachers, Nxumalo may well be winning over the hearts of a large segment of the population.

One would like to assume that this new direction is part of a broader strategy, and not just about Nxumalo simply breaking with tradition by doing what he believes is right. While it is too early to predict the long-term effects of his leadership, what is clear is that Nxumalo has already made a significant impact in a short time, at least insofar as a working relationship with teachers is concerned. It has always been unimaginable to have elected MPs such as Lady Howard Mabuza, elected by the same teachers, become hostile to the profession once appointed Ministers.

In a political landscape where antagonism toward trade unions has often been the norm, Nxumalo’s approach is a breath of fresh air. Whether it is a conscious political manoeuvre or a genuine commitment to improving relations with teachers, it is clear that Minister Owen Nxumalo is changing the narrative around education leadership in eSwatini.

If he continues on this path, Nxumalo could well redefine what it means to be a Minister of Education in eSwatini – one who truly understands and values the role of teachers, not just as employees, but as vital pillars of the nation. This evolving relationship could be the key to a more harmonious and productive future for eSwatini’s education system, where teachers and the government work together, not as adversaries, but as partners in building the nation.