MTN donates 35 computers to the University of Eswatini
KWALUSENI – On Thursday 26 October 2023, MTN donated 35 computers worth over E750 000 to the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering of the Faculty Science, Engineering, University of Eswatini. The two institutions were also celebrating ten years of partnership and continuous engagement as the first consignment of donation from MTN was in 2013. In his appreciation speech after the handover of the equipment, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Justice Thwala thanked MTN for the donation and the continuous support received from MTN through accepting students for internships.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor appreciated the momentous occasion of celebrating the launching of the MTN Skills Academy and the handover of 35 computers worth over E750 000 to the University’s MTN simulation Laboratory in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. He thanked MTN and the MTN Foundation for the generous donations the University had been receiving since 2013. “ The donations have over the years impacted the lives of hundreds of engineering students and will further enhance the learning experience of students on the 4th Industrial Revolution and the coming 5th Industrial Revolution.” Professor Thwala further congratulated MTN for launching the Skills Academy which will empower the youth to participate in the economy of the country through the digital skills they will learn through it.
The programme began with a tour to the MTN Simulation Laboratory located at the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Building. The Head of Department, Mr Wiseman Nyembe appreciated the support received from MTN. He mentioned that students in all levels of the Department benefitted from using the Laboratory and mentioned that it had made a significant impact to the teaching of their courses in the Department. He then introduced Mr John Mahlalela who demonstrated on simulating power systems and control and Dr Mzabalazo Lupupa who demonstrated on design electronics.
In his closing remarks, the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Henry Gadaga thanked the MTN Foundation for partnering with UNESWA and other institutions represented at the gathering. He thanked MTN for the computers and staying with UNESWA for ten years and noted that the University cherished the partnership. He congratulated MTN for the 25 years of doing business in Eswatini. He thanked MTN for zero-rating the University website during the COVID era and also coming up with a learning management system for the schools during that era. He also thanked MTN for making it possible in 2019 for Academia to meet Industry.