By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MANZINI:The Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) has announced a shutdown of all school with immediate effect in the midst of the CoronaVirus outbreak.

Speaking during a press conference today at SNAT Centre, Mbongwa Dlamini, the SNAT President said they have taken a decision to invoke Section 18(2) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act number 9 of 2001 which states that an employee shall have the right to remove himself or herself from danger when such an employee has reasonable justification to believe there is imminent and serious risk within the workplace.

“Our Comrades are advised to invoke section 18 (2) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act number 9 of 2001 which states that An Employee shall have the right to remove himself or herself from danger when such an employee has reasonable justification to believe there is imminent and serious risk to the safety and Health of that employee.Our Members must scale up preventive measures in their respective homes according to the advice of our health practitioners. These include the use of sanitizers and washing of hands regularly,” said the Secretary General.

Education Minister Lady- Howard Mabuza did not respond to our questions when asked to share her comments on the decision taken by SNAT.

The SNAT President further noted that the country’s health system was incapacitated to deal with the pandemic saying it cannot be successful wisdom for them not to caution their members regarding the situation.

“Our health system is incapacitated to deal with the pandemic and that it cannot be successful wisdom for us not to caution our members about same.Before we are teachers, we are members of the society. As such we also mingle with our compatriots in a daily basis.The Corona Virus thtives well in cold climates and that low temperatures amplify its pestilence. As we are now moving  towards the  winter season the pandemic may gain momentum if its containment is not adequately done timeously. Due to the shortage of safe drinking and running water in most rural communities where about 910 000 of our people live, the effects I this pandemic may be far reaching” he said.

The SNAT President then came hard on government saying the State was not taking the CoronaVirus seriously as no major decisions has been taken to protect the people alleging that the State was more secretive on the real situation.