THE HONOURABLE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION INTRODUCES THE TASK TEAM THAT HAS BEEN APPOINTED TO INVESTIGATE THE STATE OF AFFAIRS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ESWATINI

KWALUSENI: On Wednesday 28 August 2024, the Honourable Minister for Education and Training, Mr Owen Nxumalo introduced the Task Team appointed to investigate the state of affairs at the University of Eswatini in the Main Conference Room, Kwaluseni.  The meeting was attended by the Acting Principal Secretary, Ms Naniki Mnisi, University Management, Members of the Task Team and representatives of the Association of Lecturers, Academic and Administrative Personnel (ALAAP) and National Workers Union of Swaziland Higher Institutions (NAWUSHI).  The Vice Chancellor, welcomed the Honourable Minister and his team to the University of Eswatini and asked the PS to introduce the Minister. She mentioned that the Honourable Minister had come to announce the Task Team that would investigate the state of affairs at the University and noted that it was a team of experienced experts.

In introducing the team, the Honourable Minister, Mr Owen Nxumalo, first apologised that it took long for the gazette to be published that would authorise the Task Team to begin the work.   He mentioned that in the past weeks he had been with the Chancellor of the University, His Majesty King Mswati III who was really concerned about the state of the University and was eagerly awaiting the report.  The Task Team had received the blessing of His Majesty King Mswati III and Cabinet.

The Honourable Minister’s Speech

1.1       “It is both an honour and privilege to stand before you today as we embark on a

            journey of transformation; one that will undoubtedly shape the future of higher

education in our Country.  Today marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to prioritize and enhance our education system – a commitment that resonates

deeply with the vision of His Majesty the King, who has entrusted us with the “Nkwe” directive.  This directive is not merely a mandate; it is a call to action, urging us to forge a path towards a more resilient, dynamic, and inclusive educational environment.

1.2       Programme Director, ladies and gentlemen, with the powers conferred upon me by

            Section 3 of the Commissions of Enquiry Act of 1963, I have issued the following

 notice which shall be cited as the Appointment of a Task Team to investigate the

state of affairs at the University of Eswatini notice, 2024.

1.3       Programme Director, ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to introduce to the

            University of Eswatini, the Task Team established.  This team has been carefully

            selected to spearhead the revitalization of the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), a

            national institution that holds a special place in our hearts and in the annals of our

            nation’s history.  The task at hand is not a simple one, but it is a necessary one.  We

must restore the agility and standing of UNESWA, ensuring it not only meets but

exceeds the expectations of a modern-day national university supplying our

economies with competitive graduates.

 

            The Task Team is composed of:

  1. Muzi Siyaya – Chairperson
  2. Mboni Dlamini – Vice Chairperson
  3. Mcolisi Stan Maphosa – Secretary
  4. Professor Bheki Mamba
  5. Dr Alex Tsela
  6. Sibusiso Nhleko
  7. Sifisosethu Bhembe
  8. Primrose Dlamini
  9. Mbuso Simelane
  10. Simangele Thoko Shabangu
  11. Leornard Nxumalo and
  12. Fairly Mabuza

1.4       The Task Team’s mission is clear: to engage the university’s management, staff,

            students and the entire UNESWA community in a meaningful and transparent manner

while investigating the factors behind the malfunctioning of the University including amongst other things the challenges, strengths, weaknesses and opportunities.  I therefore request for your full cooperation and your honest participation in this process.  It is only through open dialogue and the sharing of genuine concerns, ideas, and aspirations that we can arrive at pragmatic solutions and recommendations which will stand the test of time.

1.5       To members of the Task Team, I urge you to approach this responsibility with the

            utmost solemnity.  Your work will require the highest level of honesty, integrity, and

            professionalism.  The discussion you will lead and the submissions you will receive

            must be handled with absolute caution and confidentiality.  The future of our national

            university rests in your capable hands, and I have every confidence that you will carry

            out this mandate with distinction.

1.6       In closing, let us all remember that the transformation of UNESWA is not just about

            the institution itself, but about the future of our entire nation.  The education we

            provide today will define the leaders of tomorrow.  Together, let us commit to this

            cause with the dedication it deserves, so that UNESWA may once again take its

            rightful place as a beacon of knowledge and progress in our country.

1.7       Programme Director, Ladies and Gentlemen, with these remarks, please consider the

            UNESWA Task Team officially commissioned and introduced to the University of

            Eswatini.  I am eagerly waiting for the Preliminary Report in the next three months

            and a final report within the next six months.

1.8       Thank you very much, and may we all be guided by wisdom and determination in this

            noble endeavour.”

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Justice Thwala thanked the Minister for assistance in cancellation of the tax debt the University had, negotiations when utilities had been switched off and support in paying staff salaries.  He further mentioned that the University had a debt of 138 million with the pension fund; 14 million debt with Swazi Med making it difficult for staff to access medical assistance and that utilities owed a lot of money.  He mentioned that University was committed to working with the Ask Team on all matters be they financial, academic or human resource.  The Team would have access to all parts of the University and the University was looking forward to working with the Team.

 

The Chairman of the task Team, Mr Muzi Siyaya in his brief remarks acknowledged the support and words of encouragement from the Minister.  He emphasised that integrity and honesty would be the Team’s guiding principle.  There would be tough conversations as part of the Team’s work and made an appeal that the exercise be approached with an open mind.  He mentioned that the Team was still to work out the logistics such as the venue so that when they subpoena individuals they would know where to go.  The Team had made preliminary work, that of assigning members of the Team areas they would work on.

 

Inconclusion, the Honourabe Miinister acknowledged support from the World Bank of E3million for the the excersise.  He thanked officials from the Ministry of Education and Training for all the assistance during the formation of the Team and mentioned that there will be a committee of experts to verify the findings to avoid bias.  The recommendations from the reports would be binding.  He mentioned that the following week, he would be presenting to Cabinet a paper on the review of tuition fees at the University in a bid to resuscitate the University.