By Ncaba Ntshakala
The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini has made emphasis on its commitment to creating an environment where every young Liswati can explore their potential and develop the necessary skills to thrive in a competitive global market.
This includes strengthening education systems, enhancing vocational training, and strengthening partnerships with industry leaders to ensure that the youth are employable and equipped to create employment.
These commitments were shared by Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, who was represented by Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla during the launch of the 2024 Eswatini National Career Expo at Happy Valley Hotel, Ezulwini recently.
In his remarks, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to His Majesty’s Government and various ministries for their pivotal role in preparing students for career development, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship.
He emphasised that the expo provided a significant opportunity for aspiring professionals, seasoned experts, and employers to explore, connect, and shape the future of careers and industries for the youth.
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When addressing the attendees, the Prime Minister noted, “We are living in an era of unprecedented change. Technological advancements, globalisation, and evolving societal values are reshaping the landscape of careers. Gone are the days when a single career path defined our professional lives.
Today, we embrace flexibility, continuous learning, and adaptability. The traditional boundaries between industries are blurring, opening new avenues for innovation and collaboration.”
He acknowledged the inspiring testimonials about the program’s positive impact and looked forward to seeing all schools participate in the expo to enhance a mindset change from a young age.
He also thanked the Ministry of Labour and Social Security for providing a platform for all government ministries to collaborate in the fight against rising youth unemployment, echoing His Majesty’s call to action.
The Prime Minister highlighted government initiatives and mentioned the ongoing review of the Regional Development Fund, designed to benefit communities, especially the youth, to ensure job creation and economic sustainability.
He also urged the relevant ministry and past beneficiaries of the defunct Community Poverty Fund to repay their debts to resuscitate and rebrand the fund for immediate use.
The Prime Minister pointed out that Eswatini’s agro-based economy presents employment opportunities at both on-farm and off-farm levels, with agriculture contributing 8.4% to the GDP and employing 28% of the eligible population.
The government is prioritising youth participation in economic development through agro processing, value-adding capacity, Youth Agriculture Programs, incubation hubs, and youth-focused service delivery.
These initiatives are part of the Second-Generation National Agriculture Investment Plan for 2023-2028.
He emphasised the government’s recognition of the need to provide relevant knowledge and necessary information to the youth to penetrate today’s industries.
This is why the Career Expo is crucial. “We will continue to lead initiatives that seek to capacitate our young people,” he said.
The Prime Minister stated the importance of this year’s theme, “Right Career Choice and Right Timing makes it correct for sustainable employability,” as it encapsulates the government’s aims for the youth and the nation.
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Furthermore, the government asserted that it is committed to strengthen education systems and enhancing vocational training through the Ministry of Sports, Culture, and Youth Affairs, and the Ministry of Education and Training.
Implementing organs such as the Eswatini National Youth Council and the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund exist to create an enabling environment for youth development.
The Prime Minister urged the youth to verify whether the institutions and programs they wish to pursue are accredited by the Eswatini Higher Education Council (ESHEC) to ensure the value of their certificates.
He called on young people to seize the opportunities presented at the Career Expo, engage with experts, explore different fields, and understand that the right career choice made at the right time will empower them to lead fulfilling and impactful lives.
He stressed the importance of building a strong professional network and supporting inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and empowered.
Moreover, the Prime Minister thanked everyone for their commitment to personal and professional growth. He highlighted that the Eswatini National Career Expo 2024 is more than just an event;
it is a celebration of potential, a catalyst for change, and a community of forward-thinking individuals.
He encouraged attendees to make the most of the opportunity, embrace possibilities, and work together to create a future where careers are not only successful but also fulfilling and impactful.
