The proposed conversion of the Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) to a national pension scheme is being welcomed as a transformative move for workers in the non-governmental organisation (NGO) sector, many of whom have historically retired without savings or access to formal social protection. The conversion initiative, which broadens access to pension coverage, is expected to significantly improve economic security for NGO employees and their dependents. It also extends benefits to widows and children, including those previously excluded from support due to legal or social technicalities.
“This move is long overdue,” said Coordinating Assembly of Non-Governmental Organisations (CANGO) Advocacy and Communications Officer Ndimphiwe Shabangu.
“Many NGOs in Eswatini do not operate formal occupational pension schemes. And where they do exist, contributions are often too modest to support a dignified retirement. This reform will ensure that all Emaswati, including those in civil society, are covered by a sustainable social security system.” he added.
Shabangu described the initiative as a step towards economic justice, strengthening the national workforce and promoting resilience among vulnerable communities. He explained that NGO staff especially those employed by donor-dependent organisations, have long faced uncertainty about their financial futures. “Contracts often end when funding runs out, leaving employees without gratuities or pension packages. Now, the conversion means these workers can look forward to a more secure retirement,” he stated.
With the NGO sector playing a central role in the health, education, humanitarian and child protection efforts, Shabangu said the conversion now fills a critical policy vacuum as the sector has long operated on fragile employment terms despite its contributions.
“This is a generational game-changer because donor funding is unpredictable, we have never had the luxury of offering consistent pensions. When projects end, people go home with nothing after years of service. This new system says clearly: your livelihood matters,” said former director of Save the Children Eswatini Dumisani Mnisi.
Mnisi praised the ENPF for what he called one of the most impactful decisions to date, making a case for the fact that the conversion is not only significant for workers, but also for their families. “For widows and children, particularly those who fell outside traditional inheritance structures, the change marks a new chapter,” he stated.
“For years, ENPF has anchored our social protection system. With this move, they are taking it to the next level, ensuring that even those who work outside formal government or private structures are not left behind,” he added.
Director of Umhluma Foundation, Lungelo Zulu, a leading advocate for widows’ rights, said the decision brings hope to families who have long been overlooked. Zulu also welcomed the broader inclusivity of the reform, highlighting that children born outside of marriage often denied benefits in the past, will now be recognised. “Widows are not a uniform group. Many have never worked formally, but their spouses did. This reform ensures that when a breadwinner dies, the family is not left in poverty,” he said.
“This is a significant stride towards fairness, equality and human dignity. It recognises that all children, regardless of circumstances, deserve protection,” he added.
ENPF CEO Futhi Tembe described the reform as a reflection of the institution’s commitment to inclusive growth and national development.
“At ENPF, we believe a sustainable and inclusive social security system is fundamental to progress.
This conversion ensures that even workers in sectors traditionally excluded like NGOs, can retire with dignity and confidence,” said Tembe.
“It’s about recognising everyone’s contribution to the nation and ensuring that no one is forgotten,” she added, emphasising that stakeholders have called for careful and transparent implementation, putting emphasis on the fact that a successful transition could serve as a model for other sectors and even for other countries.
“This is not just pension reform, it is nation-building.
We are saying that a life spent in service, even outside the formal economy, still matters,” the CEO stated.
