![Minister of Public Service Mabulala Maseko. [Courtesy pic]](https://www.eswatiniobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Mabulala.jpg "Mabulala")
Government has announced plans to fill 757 vacant positions across various ministries during the current financial year.
The Ministry of Education and Training will receive the highest share with 280 posts, followed by 200 posts approved for the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade to boost operations.
This is according to the Ministry of Public Service first quarter performance report for the 2026/27 financial year. The recruitment drive aims to strengthen public service delivery while carefully maintaining labour controls.
“The continuation with the controls and rationalisation of labour is in line with the IMF recommendations to manage the Wage Bill,” the report stated.
To achieve sustainable financial management, government is implementing advanced forecasting methods. Officials noted they are designing a Wage Bill Projection Tool to strengthen Wage Bill forecasting, including explicit modelling of drift and allowances, anchoring wage policy on a predictable framework and others.
Other departments received minimal allocations. The Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development and the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office received approval for only one post each, reflecting strict budget limits.
Meanwhile, personnel updates show active staffing adjustments across sectors. Out of 141 probationary appointments reported, 107 were health professionals in the Ministry of Health.
Additionally, 367 confirmations took place with 150 in health and 107 in the Eswatini National Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services.
On the disciplinary front, authorities are processing seven misconduct cases across various ministries, with three final verdicts pending.
Five officers from the Ministry of Home Affairs faced suspension during the review period. Furthermore, five officers were dismissed, including two from the Ministry of National Defence and Security, alongside one each from Education and Training, Home Affairs and Information, Communication and Technology.
Positions Approved by Ministry
| Ministry/Department | Positions Filled |
|---|---|
| Tourism & Environmental Affairs | 7 |
| Deputy Prime Minister’s Office | 1 |
| Tinkhundla Administration & Development | 1 |
| Natural Resources & Energy | 10 |
| Agriculture | 94 |
| Economic Planning & Development | 2 |
| Commerce, Industry & Trade | 200 |
| Education & Training | 280 |
| Labour & Social Services | 32 |
| Health | 87 |
| Justice & Constitutional Affairs | 16 |
| Judiciary Services | 27 |
