by Ncaba Ntshakala and Thokozani Mazibuko
His Majesty King Mswati III conferred and addressed 1,250 graduates during the 42nd University of Eswatini (UNESWA) graduation ceremony,
where he expressed the critical role tertiary education plays in the nation’s economic development.
He highlighted that the university has consistently provided quality education and training to the general population, laying the foundation for significant economic growth in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
King Mswati III began his speech by congratulating the graduates, acknowledging the hard work, dedication, and perseverance they displayed throughout their academic journey.
“Today is a momentous day for the 1,250 emaSwati who the Senate has determined are eligible to receive various certificates for satisfying all of their academic requirements,” he said, where the King extended his heartfelt blessings to those who were being celebrated.
The King also welcomed the presence of the graduates’ families, friends, and loved ones who had gathered to witness this momentous occasion,
recognizing the vital role they played in supporting the student’s academic endeavours.
The King’s address touched on the importance of ensuring that university programmes remain relevant to the economic landscape of the country.
He urged universities to prioritize producing innovative and creative graduates who are well-equipped to contribute to Eswatini’s economic development.
“Universities should ensure their programmes are relevant to the economic drive, producing innovative and creative graduates who contribute to the Kingdom’s economic development.
Government must, therefore, ensure adequate funding for this initiative,” His Majesty emphasized.
Acknowledging the University of Eswatini’s role as a key driver of national progress, the King commended the institution for its continued commitment to delivering high-quality education.
He noted that the university has shown remarkable growth over the years, despite the global economic challenges faced by higher education institutions worldwide.
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The increase in student enrollment and staff complement, as well as the expansion of faculties and programmes, was highlighted as an example of the university’s resilience and adaptability.
King Mswati III called on UNESWA to take a leading role in the tertiary education sector, advising the government on critical issues such as finance, economics, information and communication technology (ICT), health, and social programmes.
He stressed the importance of aligning the university’s curricula with the needs of the workforce, ensuring that graduates are not only academically sound but also prepared to address the real-world challenges that await them.
“The university should provide relevant curricula, high-quality research, and effective community engagement,” the King remarked.
The King went on to emphasize the importance of high-quality research and innovation in expanding existing knowledge and shaping policy.
He highlighted the need for academic research to not only be relevant but also applicable to policy formulation, particularly in key areas such as finance, economics, and social development.
“Public users, such as the government, want to know how relevant this research output is to formulate sharper policy,” he explained.
Moreover, the King encouraged academics to undertake research that provides guidance on regional development agendas, including those of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the African continent as a whole.
His Majesty also addressed the financial challenges faced by higher education institutions, calling for innovative solutions to ensure the sustainability of tertiary education in Eswatini.
With the increase in the number of higher learning institutions requiring financial support, the King urged the University of Eswatini to remodel its financing mechanism to supplement government funding.
He expressed his approval of the university’s efforts to implement its five-year strategic plan, which aims to address these financial challenges while improving the quality of teaching, learning, innovation, research, and community engagement.
“The active participation of all external stakeholders in this process, including government, organizations, and the private sector, is commendable,” the King stated, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in addressing the financial needs of the university.
King Mswati III further touched on the alignment of Eswatini’s development goals with broader international frameworks, including the United Nations and African Union’s sustainable development agendas.
He noted that the Kingdom’s economy is guided by the 2023-2028 National Development Plan and the 2023-2033 Industrial Policy, which emphasize value addition, production diversification, and participation in global value chains.
“We, therefore, challenge all local stakeholders to collaborate and invest in research, innovation, and incubation initiatives focusing on inclusive economic growth and sustainable development,” the King urged.
In his address, the King also highlighted the pivotal role of the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP) in the economic development of Eswatini.
He emphasized that investment in innovation and technology is crucial for achieving economic growth and called for a stronger partnership between the university and the RSTP to leverage their combined scientific and technological capabilities.
“The RSTP needs to partner with the university to leverage scientific and technological capabilities,” His Majesty said.
The King expressed his appreciation to the various stakeholders who have continuously supported the University of Eswatini in achieving its goals.
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He acknowledged that the support provided by these stakeholders has been instrumental in enabling the university to fulfil its mandate of delivering high-quality education and producing graduates who are prepared to contribute to the nation’s development.
His Majesty emphasized the university’s status as a national asset, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration between the university and the wider community to ensure its success.
In closing, the King congratulated the 1,250 graduates once again and encouraged them to take full advantage of the opportunities available to them, both in the public and private sectors.
He advised the graduates to explore entrepreneurial ventures and to use the skills they have acquired to contribute to the development of their communities and the nation as a whole.
“You are encouraged to use government and partner funds to venture into various businesses and start-ups for financial sustainability and community development,” His Majesty stated.
He also urged captains of industry to offer internship programmes that would help graduates transition into full-time employment.
