By Ncaba Ntshakala
The King Sobhuza II Park was abuzz with African attires on Friday as the emaSwati gathered to commemorate Africa Day. This year’s celebration aligned with the African Union’s 2024 theme:
“Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems to ensure increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.”
Present were several high-ranking officials including the Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, who delivered the keynote address.
In his opening remarks, Minister Owen Nxumalo expressed how various leaders came together to form the African Union which was six decades ago.
“Sixty-one years ago, visionary leaders came together to establish the African Union, a momentous occasion that marked the beginning of a united effort to promote unity and cooperation across the African continent,” Nxumalo began, reflecting on the historic milestone.
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Nxumalo emphasized the progress achieved in the pursuit of the ‘Africa we want,’ highlighting the African Union’s declaration of 2024 as the Year of Education.
“Education is the cornerstone upon which our collective future rests.
It empowers individuals, fosters innovation, and drives economic growth,” he stated. Nxumalo stressed that investing in education is not merely a cost but a compelling investment with far-reaching implications for the socio-economic fabric of the nation.
He urged everyone to recognize education as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development that yields long-term benefits beyond the classroom, impacting economic resilience, social equity, and national progress.
The Minister added that this year’s theme expresses the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders, including educators, policymakers, parents, and students.
“By fostering a holistic approach to education; one that embraces diversity, lifelong learning, and quality, we can empower emSwati to thrive in the dynamic 21st-century landscape,” Nxumalo asserted.
He highlighted that education is not just a policy matter but a strategic imperative for the collective advancement of the nation.
The Minister lauded the Kingdom of Eswatini’s devotion to education, as outlined in the National Development Plan 2023/24 – 2027/28, which asserts that sustainable development is unattainable without an educated populace.
He mentioned the recent appointment of a task team of seasoned education professionals to support the Ministry in transforming the education sector.
This initiative sets to engage all stakeholders, support active participation, collaborative efforts, and partnerships to build resilient societies.
Nxumalo praised the collaborative spirit evident in the commemoration of Africa Day, noting the power of partnership in addressing educational challenges.
“Effective partnerships are essential for sustainable development, and I commend your commitment to this cause,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to development partners for their contributions to evidence-based direction in the education sector, citing extensive studies supported by the World Bank, UNICEF, UNESCO, and other partners.
The Minister reflected on the broader context of the African Union’s goals and emphasized the words of one of its founders, President Nkwame Nkrumah of Ghana:
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“We shall measure our progress by the improvement in the health of our people; by the number of children in school, and by the quality of their education.
” These words, spoken in 1957, remain relevant in 2024, where he highlighted the enduring importance of education as a measure of national progress.
Nxumalo conveyed His Majesty King Mswati III’s mandate to address the challenges in the education sector swiftly.
He emphasized the collective commitment to this mission and called for a collaborative approach to elevate education as a strategic investment for sustainable development.
“By recognizing the pivotal role of education in driving economic growth and by embracing a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach,
we have the potential to pave the way for a future where education stands as the linchpin of our nation’s sustainable and inclusive development,” he said.
Moreover, the Minister wished the attendees successful deliberations, expressing hope that the day’s consultations and discussions would not only identify problems but also propose actionable solutions.
He looked forward to the Issue Paper highlighting priorities to facilitate equitable, quality, and relevant education for young Swazis in the 21st century.
“Let us continue to work together, learn from one another, and build bridges of knowledge and understanding,”
He urged, hoping the commemoration would inspire renewed efforts in advancing education and strengthening cooperation.
