UNESWA holds 42nd Graduation Ceremony

KWALUSENI – On Saturday 05th October 2024, the University held its 42nd Convocation of the University of Eswatini. At this auspicious event, a total of 1 250 individuals graduated. The breakdown is as follows:
Phd – 1
Masters degrees – 50
Bachelor’s degrees – 1199
Outstanding students also received prizes through the generous contribution of the University and local companies. In total the prizes were 25 with some graduates receiving more than one prize. The Ceremony was officiated by the Chancellor, His Majesty King Mswati III. The Ceremony was attended by hundreds of people including Emakhosikati, the Deputy Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Presiding officers and members of both houses of Parliament, University staff, graduands , parents , guardian and members of the public.
There was a lot of jubilation throughout the Ceremony. The gradaunds sang with alongside a group that presented traditional dance and there were ululations from parents guiardians and well-wishers. The texts of the Chancellor’s Speech and Vice Chancellor’s speech are printed in full.






His Majesty King Mswati III and Chancellor’s Speech
Introduction
Siyanivusela nonkhe bekunene lapha eUniversity yaseSwatini eKwaluseni. It is a great honour to be at the University of Eswatini to celebrate the excellent academic achievements of the 2024 graduands at the Forty Second Congregation of the University. Today is a momentous day for the 1,250 emaSwati whom the Senate has determined is eligible to receive various certificates for satisfying all of their academic requirements. We welcome parents, relatives, and family members, including those who have journeyed from near and far to witness today’s achievers, who worked hard through sleepless nights.
The Role of Tertiary Institutions
Tertiary education is crucial for a nation’s economic development, providing education to people from diverse backgrounds. The University of Eswatini has consistently provided training to the general population, leading to significant economic growth in the country. However, society expects dynamic responses from higher education regarding human capabilities for future jobs and high-tech industries. Universities should ensure their programmes are relevant to the economic drive, producing innovative and creative graduates who contribute to the Kingdom’s economic development. Government must, therefore, ensure adequate funding for this initiative.
Relevant Curricula for National Development Agenda
We urge the University to take a lead in the tertiary sector, advising Government on finance, economics ICT, health, and social programmes. It should provide relevant curricula, high quality research and effective community engagement. Stakeholders expect excellence in teaching and learning, which may involve offering student centred programmes. High-quality research and innovation should expand existing knowledge and inform policy. Public users, such as the Government, want to know how relevant this research output is to formulate sharper policy. Academics should also undertake research that provides guidance on the development agenda of SADC, COMESA, and the African continent at large.



Strategic Plan and Self Sustainability
With the increase in higher learning institutions requiring financial support, the University must urgently remodel its financing mechanism to supplement Government subsidies and tuition fees. We are pleased that the University has begun implementing its five-year Strategic Plan to address financial challenges and improve its teaching, learning, innovation, research and community engagement, graduate quality and staff welfare. The active participation of all external stakeholders in this process, including Government, organisations, and the private sector, is commendable. The plan must help improve the institution’s financial self-sufficiency and address the needs of the general population.
Alignment with the African Development Agenda
As we may be aware, the African continent has implemented national development plans and industrial policies in line with the United Nations and African Union’s sustainable development Agendas. To align with these goals, the Kingdom’s economy is guided by the 2023-2028 National Development Plan and 2023-2033 Industrial Policy, which emphasise value-addition, production diversification, complex exports and participation in local and global value chains. We, therefore, challenge all local stakeholders to collaborate and invest in research, innovation and incubation initiatives focussing on inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.
The Role of RSTP in Economic Development
It is also important to note the pivotal role of the Royal Science Technology Park (RSTP) in the development of the Kingdom of Eswatini. Investment in innovation and technology is crucial for economic growth and the RSTP needs to partner with the University to leverage scientific and technological capabilities. Similar to other nations, the RSTP needs to catalyze significant economic development through investment in human and physical capital, alignment of education with workplace needs, relevant industrial policy and a conducive macro development environment. Therefore, the University, RSTP, and other development partners should work together to achieve rapid and inclusive economic growth in order to help this country achieve sustainable growth.
Role of other Stakeholders
It has also come to my attention that the University receives support in various aspects of its core business. We wish to express our appreciation for the role played by all the stakeholders that have continuously extended a helping hand for the development of the institution. Any university that is worth its salt needs to offer sound programmes that are relevant to the world of work. Our University is a national asset with a prominent place in the education of society and it is critical to make sure that it gets all the necessary support from the people.


Exceptional Growth of the University
The University of Eswatini has shown exceptional growth as we see improvement in student intake and staff compliment despite the global economic challenges. We are happy to note how it has grown significantly in faculties and programmes, increasing the choice of professional disciplines for students. The nation and partners are encouraged to collaborate to raise funds for the university’s aspirations of producing high-quality graduates for the future economy. The national objective is to rank among the best higher learning institutions globally, achieving this through innovation, entrepreneurship and community engagement.
Commending Graduands
We take this opportunity to congratulate the 1,250 graduands who are celebrating their achievement with families, friends and lecturers today. The nation encourages them to take advantage of business and entrepreneurial opportunities in both public and private sectors. Captains of industry are also encouraged to offer internship programmes that will prepare the graduates for full-time employment when an opportunity arises. The training has prepared the graduates to fit into the job market and contribute to the development of their communities and the country. You are encouraged to use Government and partner funds to venture into various businesses and start-ups for financial sustainability and community development. You must adapt to every opportunity and use the skills you have acquired to make a living.
Disability Resource Centre Launch
It is a great joy that today we also get to officially launch and open the Disability Support Resource Centre of the University of Eswatini worth 3.1 million Emalangeni. We are grateful to Eswatini Communication Commission (ESCCOM) for making this landmark achievement a reality through the Universal Access and Service Fund (UASF). It is encouraging to see the institution taking positive action in ensuring that in delivering its mandate and strategic goals they focus on making education accessible to all and leaving no one behind. Through this state-of-the-art facility we believe that many students with disabilities will also enjoy the support and benefit of using technology and services regardless of their challenges. We do look forward to seeing more innovation and progress in the University’s development programs to remain relevant and competitive in the academic space. We call on the students, faculty and staff to take care of these facilities and make sure that even the generations to come will find them and be of use to them too.
Conclusion
Granduands, I hereby discharge you into the world, where you are expected to hit the ground running. Your future is now in your control. You have been equipped with all of the skill sets required to confront everyday challenges while also contributing to our Nation’s progress. We would like to thank everyone who assisted with organising this ceremony and for the wonderful gifts presented to us. I wish all granduands the best in their future endeavours! Congratulations on your achievement.




Declaration
It is now my honour to present to you and declare the Disability Support Resource Centre officially open.
I thank you, may the All-Mighty God Bless us all.
The Vice Chancellor’s Speech – Professor Justice M. Thwala
Your Majesty and Chancellor, On behalf of the University Council, the Senate, the University Management and the University Community at large, I have the honour and privilege to welcome you and all the participants present here today to the 42nd Graduation Ceremony of the University of Eswatini. We often look forward to this day, Your Majesty and Chancellor, where you award certificates, diplomas and degrees to our graduands who have successfully completed their academic programmes.
Eulogies for HMK
Your Majesty, your presence on this great occasion signifies your unwavering support to the University, and continued commitment to the development of higher education in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
HIS MAJESTYS INITIATIVES
His Majesty’s commitment to education is also evidenced by His attendance at graduation ceremonies of Higher Education Institutions in the country. Just recently His Majesty commissioned in person newly constructed state-of-the-art offices at Ngwane Teachers Training College during their Graduation. His Majesty’s had also earlier commissioned newly constructed classrooms at Etjendlovu High School; and for that we say:
Bayethe Wena Waphakathi
The University also joins the nation in appreciating and thanking His Majesty for successes in all national events that recently took place. The nation experienced breath-taking reed dance celebrations at Lobamba and Mbangweni in the Shiselweni region where imbali showcased their skills as part of the Eswatini cultural heritage. Some Esteemed statesmen and academicians once observed, that, and I quote:
- “A nations Culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people” Mahatma Gandhi
- “If we are to preserve culture we must continue to create it” John Huizinga
In the spirit of preserving and creating culture in the kingdom of Eswatini, His Majesty has changed an old narrative in the country that “there is no hurry in Eswatini”. The new narrative is that of NKWE, which is a new approach meant to hasten processes for timely and sustainable development within the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Your Majesty these national events have helped not only to foster peace, unity and sense of belonging within the Kingdom, but have also helped in the genesis of such new cultural narratives through His Majesty’s vision whilst preserving and creating a rich ethno and Afrocentric culture that is to be cherished by the present and future generations.
Eulogies to Parents
Your Majesty and Chancellor, kindly allow me to extend a special welcome to the parents, guardians, relatives, spouses and friends of the graduands who have come to witness the graduands receive their certificates, diplomas and degrees.
I am aware of the many sacrifices that they have made to ensure that their sons, daughters and spouses reach this stage. The greatest wealth that parents can give to their child is education. One statesman once mentioned that:
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” Nelson Mandela
I would like to especially extend a warm welcome to the candidates who will be conferred with Doctoral degrees by His Majesty today. This is the highest qualification from the University of Eswatini. The first crop of graduands who successfully completed PhD degrees were from the Faculty of Agriculture in 2017. The number of doctoral graduands has since increased.
Your Majesty and Chancellor, I wish to reiterate that the mandate of the University is to produce highly skilled human capital for the Kingdom of Eswatini and beyond. Research has shown that highly skilled human capital is the key driver for sustainable development of a country.
The vision of the University, Your Majesty and Chancellor, is “To be a sustainable public University impacting society and improving lives”. The mission of the University is “To be responsive to national and international needs through teaching and learning, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and community engagement for inclusive and sustainable development”. We believe this mission and the strategic goals will enable the University to achieve our vision.
This year, Your Majesty and Chancellor, the University is graduating a total of 1250 graduands. Of this number 183 will receive certificates, 17 are Diploma graduates, 999 will be conferred with Bachelors degree, 50 Masters degrees and 1 PhD.
His Majesty’s Government has prioritized education in the Kingdom of Eswatini and as a result the University has consistently received financial support since gaining University status in 1982. This year His Majesty’s government has awarded a total of 1575 scholarships, which is higher than the average of 1200 scholarships annually. The Eswatini Government has also financed both capital expansion programmes and operational requirements of the University. On behalf of the University community, I would therefore like to applaud His Majesty for this support.
Your Government Your Majesty, through the leadership of his Excellency the Right Honourable Prime Minister, Russel Dlamini, took heed of his Majesty’s NKWE command by putting in place a process to address challenges facing the university that include: financial challenges that have impacted on availability of teaching tools, state of the art infrastrucuture, availability of medical aid for the wellness of staff, stability of the pension fund for a guaranteed pension cover for pensioners. A Task Team has already been set up and introduced to the University by the Honourable Minister of Education, Mr Owen Nxumalo. Your Majesty, the University Council and Management and University Community at large has committed to work with the task team as it undertakes to make our University Great again.
Your Majesty, in response to the NKWE command, where his Majesty implored the University to strengthen its research, innovation and enterprise through technology, the University has established, through the Faculty of Science and Engineering, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Academy, a pioneering initiative aimed at leveraging the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence to foster economic development, enhance skills-building, and ensure Eswatini’s active participation in the global AI revolution. The Academy will serve as a hub for education, training, research, and community engagement, focusing on the practical applications of AI and its use in our society towards economic empowerment. This initiative aligns with UNESWA’s strategic plan for 2024-2029, which emphasises innovation, entrepreneurship, and financial sustainability. By establishing the Academy, UNESWA aims to generate new revenue streams, promote academic excellence through research, and contribute to the socio-economic development of Eswatini.
In other initiatives, the Faculties of Commerce, Social Sciences, and Science and Engineering engaged in policy discussions and exploration of strategies related to the participation of African youth and women in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).The Faculty of Commerce has also initiated a partnership with Claflin University for a students exchange programme. The Faculty received their First cohort of students in June 2023 where students were exposed to investment opportunities on the Eswatini Stock Exchange.
The University has also made strides in mounting demand driven programmes with the first group of students in the Postgraduate Diploma in Taxation graduating today. Furthermore, the University is in the process of mounting another commissioned Post Graduate Diploma programme in Public Sector Accounting. The programme is due to start in August 2025.






Other new programmes that are under review for accreditation through ESHEC include:
- Bachelor of Commerce in Information Systems and Management;
- Bachelor of Commerce in Operations and Supply Chain Management;
- Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resources and Strategy;
- A revised Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing;
- Sc. in Actuarial and Financial Mathematics;
- Master of Science in Computer Science (Cybersecurity);
- Post Graduate Diploma in Critical Care Nursing;
- Post Graduate Diploma in Open Distance eLearning (ODeL);
- MSc Electrical and Electronic Engineering;
- Post Graduate Diploma in Neonatology;
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychosocial and Economic Support; and
- Master of Arts in Population Studies.
These programmes will be on offer in the 2025/2026 Academic year.
Your Majesty, as we gather to celebrate this momentous occasion, it is important to acknowledge and appreciate the fruitful partnership between the Ministry of Education and Training, notably, with the Faculty of Education through a project funded by the World Bank. The project aims to revolutionize the way we teach Science and Mathematics through the integration of technology. The project will also enhance the quality of Science and Mathematics education in the country by harnessing the potential of technology, thus preparing our students for a future where digital literacy and analytical skills are paramount. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the World Bank for their generous donation of interactive boards, laptops and computers.
The Ministry of Education and Training has been instrumental in laying the groundwork for this initiative. This support and guidance has been crucial in aligning the project with national educational goals and ensuring that we address the real needs of our educators and students. The Ministry’s commitment to advancing education through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions has paved the way for this transformative endeavor. The expected outcome of the project is integration of cutting-edge technology into the curriculum, providing both teachers and students with the tools and skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
In response to the rapid pace of technological advancements, globalization, and shifting societal demands, the Faculty of Humanities has taken decisive steps to address growing concerns regarding the relevance of its traditional theoretical curriculum in the Digital Age. Recognizing the need to evolve, the Faculty has embraced a forward-thinking approach by adopting applied humanities. This bold transformation includes the development of innovative programmes such as Digital Humanities, Medical Humanities, Performance arts, Public History, Environmental Humanities, Clinical Pastoral Psychotherapy, Creative Writing, Language in the Digital Age, Translation and Interpreting, among others, some of which are currently being developed.
These new offerings are designed to not only equip students with practical, in-demand skills, but also to nurture creativity and foster critical engagement with global challenges, such as climate change, digital communication, and the ethical dimensions of healthcare. By reimagining its curriculum in line with contemporary needs of Eswatini and the African Continent, the Faculty of Humanities is reaffirming its commitment of being a driving force for positive, transformative change in an ever-evolving world.
The IDE continues to expand educational opportunities by leveraging technologies and now operates a full-fledged blended learning system. This system combines online learning through the Moodle Learning Management System with limited face-to-face contact sessions held during weekends. Recognising the importance of online education, IDE has developed a Certificate in Online Teaching for Educators (COTE), a short course designed to build an educator’s capacity to effectively teach online. The course itself has been offered to educators at various levels within Eswatini and the region, with 458 participants successfully completing the course to-date.
Additionally, IDE and the University Library secured funding from ESCCOM to establish a Disability Resource Centre at UNESWA. A classroom was converted and furnished with highly specialized equipment, assistive technologies, and a smart-board to support students with special needs, particularly students with visual, hearing, and other physical impairments. The Centre is now fully operational and managed by a full-time special education needs technician.
Furthermore, through support from COL, IDE has also implemented a project on authentic assessment, aimed at aligning assessment practices with the demands of the workplace. An institutional framework for authentic assessment has been developed and approved by Senate.
Anotgher development worth noting Your Majesty, is that the University, through the Eswatini Institute for Research in Traditional Medicine, Medicinal and Indigenous Food Plants (EIRMIP), received funding from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) under the Support to Industrialisation and Productive Sectors (SIPS) Programme. In collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in South Africa, the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) in Zimbabwe, and a Traditional Healer in Eswatini, ERMIP developed complementary medicine for HIV/AIDS management based on our rich indigenous knowledge. The complementary medicine is being registered for commercialisation as part of the implementation of the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap 2015-2063. It is envisaged that in the very near future, such products will be commercialised through partnership with the Royal Science and Technology Park once the Biotechnology Park laboratories are completed.






EIRMIP also continues to collaborate with the Eswatini Sugar Association in the development of value-added products from sugarcane. Through this partnership, three (3) postgraduate students who were sponsored through the partnership have benefited to date. At this Congregation of the University of Eswatini, 2 of the students will be receiving their Master’s degrees as a result of this partnership. We thank ESA for her role in the development of human capital to support the knowledge economy of the country.
EIRMIP has further advocated for and facilitated the conservation of endangered medicinal plant species in Eswatini, in particular the pepper-bark tree or Sibhaha. A rescue nursery at Mafutseni provides a safe haven for neglected endangered species. Further, a partnership with Malmo University in Sweden and funding from the Crafoord Foundation (a Swedish research funding foundation) has resulted in community engagements where the community is taught about the importance of conserving indigenous plants.
However, any good work does not happen without challenges. Due to the decline in funding, it has remained difficult to acquire research facilities that will enable EIRMIP to conduct first-class research to support the development and commercialisation of products from our indigenous knowledge.
Your Majesty, In line with Eswatini’s aspiration of being a knowledge-driven economy as reflected in the National Development Plan 2023 – 2028,the University through its UNESWA Research Centre (URC) is making strides to make a positive contribution to the country’s development agenda. In this regard, URC has partnered with the Department of Research, Science, Technology and Innovation (RSTI) in the Ministry of ICT, Eswatini Higher Education Council (ESHEC), Eswatini Health and Human Research Review Board (EHHRRB) and Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP), to collaborate on the national research agenda.
A regional symposium on Strengthening Research and Innovation Management (SRIM) II was hosted by Eswatini from 19 to 20 June 2024. It was one of the many initiatives undertaken through the collaboration between UNESWA, national and regional stakeholders, to promote impactful research and solutions tailored to local and international contexts. The URC is actively working on strengthening the research management system at the University.
Further Your Majesty, the University established a Consultancy and Training Centre (CTC) at UNESWA to provide short courses and consultancy services to various clients in the country. The CTC recently signed three MOUs with new partners to enhance its work.
Last but not least, I wish to express my appreciation to all our stakeholders that include international development partners, the private sector, national agencies, foundations and other friends of the University, for the ongoing support in various projects and initiatives that go a long way in relieving the University of its financial challenges. Gratitude also go to all funders of the “Leave no student hungry” initiative which was initiated in 2022 through the Dean of Student Affairs’ Welfare Office and a recent intervention by Senator Fezeka Dlamini, that has seen students receiving food parcels, toiletries and sanitary pads that help improve their welfare.
To the Graduands
I would like to congratulate the graduands for completing their studies after long and sleepless nights of study. Despite the challenges faced during this long journey, we are excited that you have finally made it and I would like to say
“Congratulations and well done”.
This is the beginning of a new chapter in your life where you will face many real life challenges. However, I believe that with the knowledge and skills that you have acquired in this University, you will be able to overcome them. I also hope and believe that you will carry out your duties wherever you may be employed and in whatever business you will be running, with commitment, hard work, diligence and integrity, never forgetting your identity as Alumni of the University of Eswatini and that the beginning of wisdom is the fear of God, cherishing your identity as Africans and citizens of the Global Village, but most importantly upholding your Loyalty and Allegiance as peace loving and respectful citizens of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
To the Instructors, administrators, support staff
Your Majesty, I would also like to pay tribute to the persons behind the success of these graduands we are celebrating today. We appreciate the lecturers, administrators, support staff that have guided you through your learning journey. You have shown your true loyalty and patriotism to this country through your hardwork, diligence, patience and love in an environment where you had to struggle to get the necessary tools to execute your tasks. Through your innovation, you were able to train these graduands who are being initiated today. The University will forever be indebted to you.
As instructors and support staff you are entrusted with the responsibility to continuously reflect on your teaching and service provision methods and adapt them to with the 4th Industrial Revolution demands as you prepare students for future jobs that are not yet known due to rapid changes brought about by digitalisation and artificial intelligence.
May I quote from a famous scholar:
“ If as educationist we resist change, we deprive students quality education and consequently deprive them of their future”
Another Quote:
“Education in the 21st century is no longer about reading and writing but about digital and computer skills in the era of the 4th IR which is driven by artificial intelligence”
Your Majesty and Chancellor, these graduands are graduating in the era of technology where instructors are teaching a young generation that uses technologies such a ChatGPT, copilot and google chatbot. Our Lecturers were challenged to review their pedagogy and assessment tools without impeding learning. The University encourages the use of these platforms in the learning space in order to promote innovation amongst these 21st century e-learners.
Executive Retirees
Your Majesty, May I also take this opportunity to appreciate the Former Registrar, Dr Salebona Scelo Hamilton Simelane, Former Bursar, Mr Mfanzile Elliot Dlamini, and Former Librarian Dr Zipho Gwendoline Ngcobo, for more than 30 years of dedicated service to the University. We wish them well in their next chapter as pensioners, but we hope they will be available to provide advice to the University should the need arise.
WELCOME
Your Majesty and Chancellor with your permission, allow me on behalf of Council, the Senate and the University Community, to welcome distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, to the 42nd Graduation Ceremony of University of Eswatini and may you have a very joyous day.
And May the Good Lord Bless you your Majesty and all participants present here today and all those who are following these proceedings online.
Thank you.
Bayethe Wena Waphakathi
TETFULO
SILO SKHULULU, NGWENYAMA, NGITFUNYWA NGU CHAIRMAN OF COUNCIL, BABE MKHUMBI DLAMINI, EGAMENI LECOUNCIL NEUNIVESI YONKHANA KWETFULO SETFULO SILO SKHULU
NGENJABULO LECICIMAKO YEKOTSA LILANGA LAPHA EUNIVESI YEMASWATI LAMUHLA
ITSI ICOUNCIL YETFULA TINKHOMO LETINTSATFU SILO SKHULU, LETIMBILI LITFOKATI NEKHABI YETFULWA KUSO SILO
IKHOMO LELITFOKATI YETFULWA KUYO INDLOVUKAZI.
BAYETHE WENA WAPHAKATHI