By Ncaba Ntshakala
During the 42nd graduation ceremony of the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), held recently at Kwaluseni Campus, His Majesty King Mswati III urged the 1,250 graduands to seize the opportunities before them and contribute to the nation’s progress.
The King asserted that the future is in their hands, and they must be ready to act.
“Graduands, I hereby discharge you into the world, where you are expected to hit the ground running,” the King declared to the applause of the assembled graduates, their families, and academic staff.
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“Your future is now in your control. You have been equipped with all of the skill sets required to confront everyday challenges while also contributing to our nation’s progress,” he continued, affirming the readiness of the new graduates to face the evolving demands of the job market.
The King also emphasized the need for graduates to tap into entrepreneurial and business opportunities.
The nation encourages them to take advantage of business and entrepreneurial opportunities in both public and private sectors,” he said.
His Majesty called on captains of industry to offer internships to help prepare graduates for full-time employment, highlighting the importance of practical experience in the competitive job market.
With the growing trend of entrepreneurship in the country, His Majesty encouraged the graduates to utilize available government and partner funds to launch start-ups.
“You are encouraged to use government and partner funds to venture into various businesses and start-ups for financial sustainability and community development,” he remarked, stressing the vital role of innovation and adaptation in today’s economic landscape.
The King’s address also celebrated the growth of UNESWA, praising its ability to expand its student intake and increase the range of academic programs, despite global economic challenges.
“We are happy to note how it has grown significantly in faculties and programmes, increasing the choice of professional disciplines for students,” he said, noting that this progress positions UNESWA as a key player in producing high-quality graduates ready to contribute to Eswatini’s future economy.
His Majesty highlighted the importance of collaboration between the university, the nation, and external partners to support its aspirations, encouraging all stakeholders to raise funds for its development.
“The national objective is to rank among the best higher learning institutions globally, achieving this through innovation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement,” he declared, underscoring UNESWA’s crucial role in Eswatini’s educational landscape.
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Acknowledging the efforts of various stakeholders who support the university, the King expressed his appreciation for their contributions.
“We wish to express our appreciation for the role played by all the stakeholders that have continuously extended a helping hand for the development of the institution,” the King said as he emphasized the need for continued support to ensure that UNESWA remains a national asset and a centre of education in Eswatini.
His Majesty’s words were hailed as a powerful call to action for the graduands, urging them to make the most of their training and the opportunities available to them.
“You must adapt to every opportunity and use the skills you have acquired to make a living,” he concluded as the King offered his heartfelt congratulations to the class of 2024.
“Congratulations on your achievement. I wish all graduands the best in their future endeavors!”
