MANZINI – The 16th graduation ceremony of the Southern Africa Nazarene University (SANU) held in Manzini yesterday shifted focus beyond academic celebration.
It highlighted government’s renewed push for skills development, employability and innovation as key drivers of Eswatini’s economic transformation.
Minister for Labour and Social Security Phila Buthelezi, who represented Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla as guest speaker, used the occasion to urge graduates to position themselves as active contributors to national development in an evolving labour market that demands adaptability and creativity.
The ceremony saw 404 graduands from the Class of 2025 receive qualifications in an event attended by government officials, church leadership, education stakeholders and families, underscoring what was described as a shared responsibility in building national human capital.
Buthelezi said graduates must now translate their academic achievements into practical solutions that address societal and economic challenges. “As graduates, you are now part of a skilled and capable workforce that must contribute meaningfully to the advancement of Eswatini. The knowledge and skills you have acquired must be applied in ways that uplift your communities and our nation,” he said.
He emphasised government’s ongoing reforms in the education sector, including strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), expanding Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programmes, and introducing micro-credentials aimed at improving workforce readiness. The minister further stressed the importance of collaboration between government, institutions of higher learning and the private sector to ensure education remains relevant to labour market needs, particularly in addressing youth unemployment.
“Education remains one of the most powerful tools for national development. It is the engine that drives economic growth, innovation and social transformation,” he said.
He further challenged graduates to embrace entrepreneurship and innovation rather than relying solely on job-seeking, urging them to become job creators in a changing economy. “Do not limit yourselves to seeking opportunities, create them. Be innovative, be bold and be willing to take calculated risks,” he said.
On student welfare, Buthelezi noted government’s continued efforts to improve student accommodation across institutions, with emphasis on safety and conducive learning environments.
Delivering her address, SANU Vice Chancellor Professor Faith Mngomezulu said the university remains committed to producing graduates who are not only academically competent, but also equipped to meet national development priorities. She said the graduation of 404 students, 67 per cent of whom are female, reflected SANU’s continued contribution to gender empowerment and inclusive education in the kingdom.
Professor Mngomezulu outlined the university’s academic expansion, including new programmes such as a Master of Science in Nursing, Pharmacy and Bachelor of Education in French, as well as postgraduate programmes in Special and Inclusive Education and Practical Theology and Ministry, currently awaiting accreditation.
She also highlighted plans for a Bachelor of Business Management and Entrepreneurship programme aimed at strengthening innovation and job creation among graduates, alongside expansion into STEM and TVET disciplines.
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