By Bahle Gama
The Eswatini National Youth Council (ENYC) newly appointed CEO Lwazi Mamba is expected to extensively explore resource mobilisation opportunities to support and supplement government funding into the entity.
This was said by the Minister of Sports, Youth, and Culture Bongani Nzima during the unveiling press conference held at the ENYC offices in Matsapha on Thursday, August 1, 2024.
The new CEO holds a Master of Business Administration, as well as a BSc in Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management among other qualifications.
e also has 14 years of experience working in the non-governmental sector.
Nzima said youth programming is wide, so the government alone cannot adequately finance the work needed to support young people toward living a decent, sustainable, and high-quality life.
He further stated that the Ministry has noted that while the country’s investment in youth programmes has grown, there has been a lack of clear direction in investing towards a common goal to achieve the necessary impact on the ground.
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“This is the number one task we have assigned Mamba to address as he takes on this role. We expect the ENYC, working together with the Ministry, to develop a clear roadmap for youth programming in Eswatini,
hat will guide both government and non-government partners, thereby avoiding duplications and leading to a positive, sustained impact on the lives of our young people,” said Nzima.
He stated that the new CEO has come in at a time when government resources are severely stretched across the board,
urther highlighting that when Prime Minister Russell Dlamini met leaders of Public Enterprises (PEs), he outlined the importance of thinking outside the box and finding ways to expand their income.
Therefore, Mamba is expected to work with the Board in this regard.
The Minister further noted that the ENYC’s Strategic Plan is due for renewal, therefore an opportune time for Mamba, working together with the Board, to draw up a bold, forward-looking, and ambitious yet realistic plan, “that will allow the ENYC to grow and impact to be felt across the country.”
“The plan must be well-researched research and must be informed by the realities on the ground as well as our hopes for the future.
I have had the pleasure of going through Mamba’s CV and I believe that he has the necessary qualifications and experience to deliver on this hugely important national assignment,” Nzima said.
The Minister continued and wished Mamba the best in the task ahead and assured him that he has the Ministry and the government’s full support.
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He also extended appreciation to Mfanfikile Mabuza who has been leading the ENYC as Acting CEO, further calling for all stakeholders to support the new CEO and pull towards the same direction to achieve the goal of developing the lives of young people in the country.
In his brief remarks, Mamba said he feels honoured that he was found to be a suitable candidate for the position.
I believe they saw that the values I have match those of the organisation as well as the ambition which is aligned with the ENYC’s mandate.
I extend my appreciation, and this is not an achievement per se, but a task from the nation for me to fulfil the entity’s mandate.
It’s a huge task, but I am content that I am coming into a capable Ministry and an ambitious board. I am also joining a team that is capable and experienced having been in the space for so long.
He said he is willing to learn from colleagues from the different SOEs under the Ministry and work harmoniously with all stakeholders to deliver on expected tasks on time.