MEMBERS of Parliament (MPs) have requested the Minister for Public Service Mabulala Maseko to urgently review staffing levels, working conditions and the welfare of officers serving in Eswatini’s high commissions and embassies.
The motion was moved by Lobamba Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo, who proposed that the minister completes the review and submits a report with recommendations to Parliament within 90 days of the motion’s adoption.
The motion also calls for a review of what it describes as outdated staffing structures, saying they no longer meet the needs of modern diplomatic service.
It further seeks a review of Chapter E of the Public Service Regulations, which deals with the rights, conditions of service and welfare of officers serving in foreign missions.
Motivating the motion, Khumalo said officers who represented the country abroad deserved better working conditions.
“It is an act of a warrior when one leaves their country to work in another country, but it is painful when that warrior’s welfare is not attended to,” he said.
Khumalo said officers serving in foreign missions had raised concerns about their welfare for a long time without success.
He said some officers were only allowed to return home after every three years, adding that this should instead happen annually.
He also raised concerns that officers were only allowed to travel with a limited number of family members when taking up foreign postings.
Khumalo said the review should be carried out by government officials instead of hiring outside consultants, as there was enough expertise within the public service.
He also alleged that some junior officers at the embassies were subjected to poor treatment by ambassadors.
Khumalo said all officers serving in embassies were there to serve His Majesty King Mswati III and the country and should therefore be treated equally.
He said Parliament had become aware of these concerns through engagements with embassy staff during visits to foreign missions.
Seconding the motion, Mhlangatane MP Madala Mhlanga said the ministry should work towards improving harmony at the country’s embassies and address the welfare of officers.
He said concerns raised by staff included shortages of personnel and allowances that had not been reviewed for the past 30 years.
Mhlanga said addressing these issues was important because they affected the country’s image.
Responding to the motion, Minister for Public Service Mabulala Maseko requested that the debate be adjourned to allow the ministry time to work on the concerns raised.
