News 2024/02

KWALUSENI- On Thursday 01 February 2024, The First National Bank Eswatini Foundation presented the refurbished FNB CyberSpace Computer Laboratory to the University Management at a function held in the Kwaluseni Campus, New Wing, Refectory. Back in 2007, the FNB Eswatini Foundation funded the setting up of a computer laboratory at the Computer Centre which had furniture and 43 computers, network cabling for the entire lab, air-conditioning for the lab, white board, LCD projector screen and an LCD projector. In recognition of the generous donation by FNB, the lab was named FNB CyberSpace@UNISWA a name which still persists to this day. Therefore, on Thursday 01 February 2024, FNB Eswatini Foundation was presenting a refurbished FNB CyberSpace@UNISWA which included furniture, 40 new computers, three laptops, and other technology and spatial infrastructure to enable active operation of the computer laboratory. 

The handover ceremony was graced by the presence of the University Management and Chairman of Council representative, First National Bank Management and members of the FNB Eswatini Board, Dean and Directors, Student Representatives and the media.  In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Justice Thwala, thanked the FNB Eswatini for the generous donation and mentioned that the FNB CyberSpace@UNISWA was being used by over 800 students on weekdays and 300 IDE students on weekends for the Computer Foundation Course.  “The University of Eswatini extends its greatest gratitude to FNB Eswatini Foundation for the support it has extended to the University.”

Joining the Vice Chancellor in thanking the FNB Foundation were the Chairman of Council Representative, Chief Bonginkosi Dlamini and the Student Representative Council (SRC) President Mr Bongumenzi Dlamini.  Chief Bonginkosi Dlamini expressed appreciation for the equipment as it would assist the University on blended learning for the students. The SRC President assured the Foundation and all dignitaries that the students will be good stewards of the equipment donated by the Foundation.

In making his comments, the FNB Eswatini CEO, Mr Dennis Mbingo, mentioned that “the University of Eswatini has been a seedbed for talent over many decades, some of which has gone to lead nations and influence organisations in our region and beyond. The legacy of UNESWA as a developer of high-grade, hard-working and innovative talent is without question.”  In reference to the FNB CyberSpace Computer Laboratory, Mr Mbingo said “the FNB Eswatini Foundation has agreed to renovate the University’s computer facilities for students at a cost of E1.38million, which includes the supply of 40 new computers, 3 laptops, and other technology and spatial infrastructure to enable active operation of the lab.” In his conclusion, the CEO said “Professor Thwala, our doors remain open for further opportunities for collaborating with this great academic organ.”