Times Of Swaziland: A Tribute to Waterford Kamhlaba

A Tribute to Waterford Kamhlaba
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The editor on 07/06/2013 08:54:00


Sir,
As someone who is living in what I consider to be one of the remotest areas of
the country, I have often entertained a distant view of what goes on in such
institutions as Waterford Kamhlaba.
This detached view changed recently when I had to accompany my daughter, who had
gone to Waterford to sit for an examination for a United World College
scholarship.
As we arrived at the school and we approached the offices I felt the familiar
feeling of apprehension and dread which is common with me whenever I arrive at
government public service/delivery institutions.
This is a nervous feeling of emptiness in the stomach, accompanied by sweat
drops suddenly forming in the armpits.
By instinct in such cases, the first thing that I prepare to say to the first
person of the institution I will come across is to make some kind of apology.
However, what happened to us with the first person we encountered and sought to
enquire for directions from was so unexpected.
While I was still stammering my apology, the man greeted us with a warm smile.
As if aware of my agitation, the man politely asked us how he could be of help.
Now having completely recovered, I explained why we were there.
Our new friend offered, not to direct us, but to take us to the receptionist’s
desk. Even here the lady in charge greeted us warmly and explained the
procedures and where my daughter had to go.
As we lingered outside, now very much relaxed, we were overwhelmed by the
hospitality displayed by the people of this school.
All those who passed us greeted us with the kind of warmth which you would think
is reserved for familiar acquaintances. This friendly behaviour towards us was
not only displayed by the people whom we thought were the professional staff but
also those whom we believed were the support staff.  Even the students, many of
whom are foreigners, were going out of their way to be sociable to us.
My experience of visiting Waterford has left an indelible impression on me about
that school. As I write this article, I am not only a grateful citizen of this
country who is marvelling at the way Waterford strives to make a vital
contribution to the landscape of education of the young people of Swaziland by
awarding them international scholarships, but I am also awestruck at the way
such a cosmopolitan institution can epitomise the true African hospitality
spirit to the letter.
One can only pray that since Kamhlaba is so compellingly perched on the hill
like the Biblical candle, her spirit of goodness will cascade down the mountain
to the City of Mbabane first , and then to the rest of Swaziland, for the
country to thrive.
Freedom Dlamini,
Hlatikhulu