University Council bids farewell to retired University Officers

KWALUSENI – On Thursday 29 August 2024, at the New Wing, Refectory, the University Council held a function to bid farewell to three Officers of the University who have retired.  The three retired Officers are the Bursar – Mr Mfanzile Dlamini, the Librarian – Dr. Zipho Ngcobo and the Registrar – Dr Salebona Simelane.  The event was attended by members of Council and some members of the Bursary and Registry. Dr Zipho Ngcobo could not attend the function because a bereavement in the family. The retired Officers were showered with gifts.

In his welcome remarks, the Programme Director, Mr Sandile Dlamini, a member of Council noted that the gathering was not just a celebration of the conclusion of their long and distinguished careers but also a time of reflection for the invaluable contributions they have made over the past decades. “As we bid farewell to these cherished colleagues, let us take a moment to appreciate the countless memories, achievements and friendships that have blossomed over the years.”

Representing members of Council was Chief Bonginkosi Dlamini who made positive comments on the retired Officers.  “Dr S.S. Simelane our Registrar has been the embodiment of integrity, diligence, and efficiency throughout his tenure.  His commitment to ensuring the seamless functioning of academic affairs has been unparalleled.  Under his leadership, the University has seen remarkable growth and progress, setting higher standards of excellence in administration and student services. Dr Simelane’s dedication to the success of our students and the advancement of our institution will be a legacy we will always treasure.”

On Mr M.E. Dlamini, The Chief noted that “he has been the custodian of financial prudence and stewardship at our University.  His strategic financial management and visionary planning have steered us through both challenges and triumphs.  Mr Dlamini’s unwavering dedication to the financial health of our institution has been instrumental in ensuring our continued growth and sustainability. His expertise and insights will be sorely missed as we move forward.”

“Dr Z.G. Ngcobo, our distinguished Librarian has been a beacon of knowledge and enlightenment within the academic community.  Her passion for fostering a culture of learning and research has transformed our library into a hub of intellectual curiosity and innovation.  Dr Ngcobo’s contributions to promoting academic excellence and supporting the scholarly pursuits of our students and faculty members have been invaluable.  Her legacy as a guardian of wisdom and information will continue to inspire generations to come.”

In his remarks before inviting the Chairman of Council, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Justice Thwala first thanked the Chairman of Council for his wisdom for the function to celebrate over 30 years of dedicated service by the three Officers. Professor Thwala then quoted three Bible verses – Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you.  Plans to give you hope and a future; Proverbs 20:24 – A person’s steps are directed by the Lord; II Timothy 4:6-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race.” He then made remarks about each Officer:

DR SALEBONA SIMELANE

  1. Dr. Salebona Sicelo Simelane joined the University on 23rd April 1986 when he  was appointed Assistant Registrar (Student Affairs).  In this portfolio, he was to be responsible for admissions, registration of students, administration of examinations and the upkeep of student records.
  2. In a bid to capacitate him, the University selected him to attend an International management course at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom from 4 July to 25 September 1988.
  3. On 10th November 1989, Dr. Simelane was appointed Senior Assistant Registrar.
  4. In August 1991, Dr. Simelane left for further training at the University of Alberta, courtesy of the Brandon/CIDA project.
  5. Dr. Simelane returned from Canada in June 1993, equipped with a Master of education degree, to resume duty.
  6. In August 2003, Dr. Simelane proceeded on further training to study towards a Doctor  of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree at the University of Nottingham, UK.
  7. He returned to resume duty in January 2007. On his return, he was deployed in the  Human Resources office.
  8. On 9th December 2014, Dr. Simelane was appointed Registrar of the University, a position he held until he went on early retirement in    June     2024.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Dr. Simelane’s notable achievements were that while in the Student Affairs office, he oversaw the University’ first steps towards automation of its processes.  He worked closely with a programmer from the Netherlands in introducing what came to be known as the Student Information System (SIS).  He also was a resource person team that developed the first University Strategic Plan.

After assuming the Directorship of the Planning Centre, Dr. Simelane played a leading role in the development of the University’s second strategic plan.

He served in various Boards including the Pension Fund Board Of Trustees, UNESWA Foundation Board Of Trustees And Chakaza Holding Company Board of Directors.

IN all these years he was exemplary, a perfectionist and handworker he mentored several of his subordinate staff including myself as Vice Chancellor, he has always been thorough, and wrote memos and letters with perfection until his retirement.

  1. MFANZILE E. DLAMINI

 

 

  1. Mr. Mfanzile E. Dlamini joined the University as Teaching Assistant in the

Department of Accounting and Business Studies on 3 September    1985.

 

  1. On the 2nd of October, 1986, He left for further training at the University of

            Strathclyde in Glasgow, United Kingdom where he obtained a Master of Science

            degree in Finance.

 

  1. He returned in October 1987 to resume duty. In February 1988, he was appointed

Lecturer in Accounting and Business Studies.

 

  1. Mr. Dlamini did not rest on his laurels. He continued to study towards acquiring

professional qualifications.  His efforts were rewarded as in June 1996, he passed the

ACCA examinations.

 

  1. In January 1999, he joined KPMG where he served for three years as a trainee

Accountant to acquire practical work experience.

 

  1. In March 2002, Mr. Dlamini was admitted as a Chartered Accountant by the

            Swaziland Institute of Accountants.

 

  1. On 18th November 2002, Mr. Dlamini was appointed University Bursar. He

            assumed duty in his new assignment on 23rd November        2002. He held this

position until his retirement on 30 June 2024.

 

  1. On 31st December 2006, he was admitted a Fellow of the Association of

            Chartered Certified Accountants.

 

He served in various boards including the Pension Fund Board Of Trustees, UNESWA Foundation Board Of Trustees and Chakaza Holding Company Board Of Directors.

 

The University will be forever indebted to Mr. Dlamini for his counsel and sense of humour negotiation skills which helped keep the University afloat and joyful mood even through a troubling financial environment. We will miss you more especially during pay days where we had to go up Malagwane to negotiate for salaries at the Ministry of Finance.



  1. ZIPHO G. NGCOBO
  1. Dr. Zipho G. Ngcobo was offered appointment as Trainee Library Assistant on 20

December 1976.  She assumed duty on 4th January, 1977.

 

  1. In August 1980, she left for Canada where she enrolled for a Master of Science in

Library and Information Studies at Dalhousie University.

 

  1. She returned to the University to resume duty in May 1982, and was appointed

Assistant Librarian after attaining of the Master’s degree.

 

  1. In May 1989, Dr. Ngcobo was promoted to the rank of Senior Assistant

            Librarian.

 

  1. In August 1990, she proceeded to the United States of America where she

enrolled for a Ph.D. degree at the University of Pittsburgh.

 

  1. She returned in January 1995 to resume duty, having attained the Ph.D degree, the

first member of staff from the Library to do so.

 

  1. In April 1998, Dr. Ngcobo was promoted to the rank of Deputy Librarian.

 

  1. In November 2016, she was appointed University Librarian, a position she held

until her retirement on 30 June 2021.

The Chairman of Council Chief Mkhumbi Dlamini first shared memories of how the retired Officers assisted the University especially during negotiations with the Government for staff salaries.  He wished the Officers well in their retirement and thanked them for a job well done.  The Chairman the handed gifts to the Officers. Replying on behalf the retired Officers was the Bursar, Mr Mfanzile Dlamini.  He thanked the University Council for holding such a function for them. As always, he spiced with talk with humour and appreciated the University.  Entertainment in the form of soft gospel music was provided by Saxophonist, Mr Fakazi Samuels.