We wish to provide a critical clarification regarding the article “PSPF Stakeholders Reject ENPF Conversion Plan” (Eswatini Observer March 25, 2026), specifically concerning the statements attributed to the Minister of Public Service, Hon. Mabulala Maseko, regarding the ENPF Bill 2025. While the article correctly identifies the ongoing consultations with stakeholders, it is necessary to refute the suggestion that the Bill proposes for new civil servants to be members of the National Pension Fund (NPF) to the exclusion of the Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF).
It must be categorically clarified that the ENPF Bill 2025 does not seek to replace the PSPF for new entrants but rather proposes a dual-membership framework. The technical provisions of the Bill, particularly Clause 9, establish that new civil servants will participate in both schemes.
The following analysis refutes the claim that new civil servants will be members of the NPF only, detailing instead a system of dual participation.
1. Refuting “Exclusive” NPF Membership for New Civil Servants
Contrary to certain stakeholder concerns mentioned in the article, the ENPF Bill 2025 does not propose that new civil servants be members of the NPF instead of the Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF).
- Non-Retrospective Nature: The Bill is non-retrospective, meaning current civil servants remain under their existing PSPF “defined benefit” arrangement. For them participation in the NPF would be voluntary. This means that the benefits of the current employees are not going to be affected in any way.
- Mandatory Dual Membership: For employees hired after the Bill’s commencement, the system is designed for co-existence of the NPF and the PSPF. These employees will be members of both the NPF and the PSPF simultaneously.
- Dual Pension Benefits: Future civil servants are expected to receive two pensions: an NPF pension and a PSPF pension, which together are intended to provide a superior retirement outcome for the member’s benefit.
2. Clause 9 and Contribution Structure
Clause 9 of the ENPF Bill 2025 establishes the general obligation for contribution and membership. Under this framework, the participation of civil servants is managed through a split-contribution model:
- Capped NPF Contributions: Contributions to the NPF are calculated on a capped salary base (currently cited as E4,300). This cap is a deliberate design feature to minimise the financial pressure on the PSPF.
- Higher PSPF Contributions: Because the NPF contribution is limited to the capped portion, the PSPF continues to receive the majority of the contribution.
- For a standard 20% total pension contribution, 10% is allocated to the NPF based only on the capped amount (e.g., 10% of E4,300).
- The remaining PSPF contribution is calculated on the adjusted basic salary (the full salary minus the capped portion), ensuring the PSPF remains the primary pension vehicle for civil servants.
3. Summary Table: Membership & Contribution Comparison
| Feature | Current Civil Servants | Future Civil Servants (Post-Bill) |
| Primary Fund | PSPF | PSPF & NPF (Dual) |
| NPF Status | Excluded (unless they decide to join voluntarily) | Mandatory Participation |
| Salary Base for NPF | N/A | Capped (e.g., E4,300) |
| Salary Base for PSPF | Full Basic Salary | Adjusted Salary (Full minus Cap) |
Conclusion
The assertion that new entrants would be “redirected to the ENPF instead of the PSPF” is a misconception of the Bill’s actual provisions. The proposed reform is intended to provide future civil servants with a robust, multi-tiered retirement benefit that leverages the strengths of both funds, which together are intended to provide a superior retirement outcome for the benefit of the members.
We trust this clarification assists the readers in understanding the true nature of the proposed legislative changes.