SNAT PRESIDENT MBONGWA DLAMINI RETURNS TO WORK AFTER COURT VICTORY

Mbongwa Dlamini, President of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT), has officially returned to work after winning a landmark unlawful dismissal case against the Eswatini government. Dlamini resumed his teaching duties at Moyeni High School on Monday following a court order issued by Judge Zonke Magagula, which reinstated him and directed the government to pay all outstanding salaries owed since the date of his dismissal.

The ruling, which has been hailed as a significant victory for labor rights in Eswatini, marks the end of a contentious legal battle that saw Dlamini unjustly removed from his position in what many saw as an attempt to weaken the teachers’ union and suppress dissent. Judge Magagula’s decision not only reinstated Dlamini but also sent a clear message condemning the government’s unlawful actions against trade unionists.

Speaking to Swaziland News, SNAT Secretary General Lot Vilakati confirmed that Dlamini had returned to his post. “We accompanied him back to work as per the court order, and we are preparing to collect a written document from the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) officially allowing him back to class,” Vilakati said. The show of solidarity from SNAT leadership underscores the union’s commitment to standing by its members in the face of persecution.

Dlamini’s return to work comes after a long period of legal and political challenges. His dismissal, widely seen as politically motivated, was condemned by union leaders and activists as an attack on workers’ rights and freedom of association. The court’s ruling has been celebrated not just as a victory for Dlamini but as a win for all trade unionists fighting against systemic repression.

The case also highlighted the widespread support for Dlamini within the labor and pro-democracy movements. On Friday, SNAT leadership, including former President Sibongile Mazibuko, People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) Deputy President Wandile Dludlu, and other political leaders, attended court to show their solidarity with the embattled union leader. Their presence underscored the interconnectedness of labor rights and the broader struggle for democracy in Eswatini.

Prominent lawyer Lucky Howe, who represented Dlamini, was instrumental in securing the court victory. Judge Magagula’s condemnation of the dismissal and subsequent ruling in favor of Dlamini sets a precedent for protecting workers’ rights against arbitrary and politically motivated actions by the state.

Dlamini’s reinstatement is more than a personal triumph—it is a rallying point for the labor movement in Eswatini. His case has reignited conversations about the role of unions in safeguarding workers’ rights and the importance of standing against authoritarian practices. It also underscores the need for judicial independence in a country where trade unionists and activists frequently face persecution for challenging the regime.

The SNAT President’s return to Moyeni High School is symbolic of the resilience of Eswatini’s labor movement. Despite systemic challenges, union leaders like Dlamini continue to advocate for fair treatment, better working conditions, and the rights of workers across the country. His victory serves as a reminder that the fight for justice is worth pursuing, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Dlamini’s case has energized the labor movement, with many viewing it as a sign that change is possible when unions stand together in solidarity. As he resumes his teaching duties, his leadership within SNAT and the broader pro-democracy movement remains crucial to the ongoing fight for workers’ rights and political reform in Eswatini. His reinstatement is not just a win for one individual—it is a testament to the power of collective action and the unyielding demand for justice.