by Ncaba Ntshakala
The Minister of Labour and Social Security, Phila Buthelezi, has announced the appointment of Futhi Tembe as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF).
Tembe, who had been serving as the Acting CEO since November 2023, has officially assumed the role.
She is hailed as the first female to hold the position and she is succeeding Prince Lonkhokhela who is now the Minister of Natural Resources and Energy.
Minister Buthelezi commended Tembe for her exemplary dedication and strong work ethic during her tenure as Acting CEO. He expressed confidence in her ability to lead the Fund effectively and wished her success in her new role.
Futhi Tembe’s appointment comes as a testament to her proven leadership and managerial skills. Her extensive experience and commitment to excellence make her a fitting choice to steer the ENPF towards continued growth and prosperity.
Acknowledging the significance of this appointment, Mduduzi Gina, Chairman of the Board, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Tembe.
He expressed gratitude to Minister Buthelezi for demonstrating trust in the Board’s recommendations. Gina highlighted the historical nature of Tembe’s appointment, noting that she is the first woman to hold the position of CEO since the establishment of the Fund.
“This appointment marks a historic moment for the Eswatini National Provident Fund,” stated Chairman Gina.
“Futhi Tembe’s leadership will undoubtedly propel the Fund to new heights, and her appointment underscores our commitment to gender diversity and inclusivity in leadership roles.”
Emotional Futhi pledges to adhere to “Nkwe”
The newly appointed ENPF CEO has pledged to adhere to the “Nkwe” call which was declared by His Majesty King Mswati III when opening the first session of the 12th Parliament.
The emotional CEO was speaking after being announced as the new captain by the Minister of Labour and Social Security.
“Before I begin my speech, I must confess that I am feeling quite emotional in this moment and short of words,” Tembe said after the announcement.
“I am deeply honoured and genuinely humbled to be announced as the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Eswatini National Provident Fund.
” She extended her gratitude to the Minister, the Cabinet, and the ENPF Board for entrusting her with the significant leadership role, vowing to uphold the highest standards of service, excellence, and integrity.
“As a leader, I hold service, excellence, and integrity as my guiding principles,” Tembe asserted. “I am committed to leading with the greatest humility, and a vision for a bigger and brighter future for all stakeholders, starting with the members of the Fund.”
Tembe then drew parallels between leadership and parenthood where she articulated her vast commitment to serving and uplifting others.
She then expressed her alignment with His Majesty’s vision for economic growth and prosperity. The newly appointed CEO Tembe pledged to champion inclusive financial empowerment and spearhead innovative investment strategies grounded in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
” It will be our collective endeavor to foster economic growth, forge pathways to prosperity for all and build a brighter future for our nation in alignment with his majesty’s visionary objectives.
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Sesitovele sitsi NKWE siLindlelantfongeni,” she affirmed.
Central to Tembe’s strategic initiatives is the conversion of the Fund to a pension fund, which is ENPF’s move to secure a financially stable future for members and generating significant economic benefits.
Tembe concluded her address with expressions of gratitude to her predecessor, His Royal Highness Prince Lonkhokhela, the ENPF Board, Executive team, management, and staff for their unduly support and commitment to the Fund’s vision.
