Eswatini unions seek limits on official travel
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Times of Eswatini
Eswatini public sector unions are proposing limits on repeated overseas travel by the same government officials. The measures are being discussed as part of a review of the official travel management policy, according to the Times of Eswatini.
Eswatini public sector unions have proposed limiting repeated official trips made by the same officials during consultations on the draft framework for managing overseas travel. They are also calling for separate approval procedures for civil servants travelling abroad for union activities, reports the Times of Eswatini.
The unions have also proposed granting meal allowances to drivers assigned to cross-border missions that do not require an overnight stay. The proposals are being considered with the Public Policy Coordination Unit, the Ministry of Public Service and the Eswatini Economic Policy Analysis and Research Centre as part of the review of rules governing official travel.
Secretary to the Cabinet Victor Nxumalo, who chairs the Joint Negotiations Forum, called for travel to be planned, justified, approved and followed up with reports because of its financial cost, according to the Times of Eswatini. The draft also provides for specific procedures for approving missions, justifying travel advances and submitting supporting documents.
The new framework is to replace paper-based administrative procedures with simpler digital processes, according to the Times of Eswatini.
