A Tribute to Waterford Kamhlaba

A view of the IB hostel at United World College Waterford Kamhlaba.

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

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