BELGRADE, SERBIA: EmaSwati students studying in Serbia have heaped praise on His Majesty the King for establishing diplomatic ties with this country.
They say this has opened doors for them to obtain scholarships to pursue various studies in a well-developed country and they look forward to returning home to apply their skills in the various sectors.
The students introduced themselves to the King on Sunday evening when the Eswatini embassy to Brussels hosted a dinner in honour of the king’s inaugural visit to Serbia.
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Speaking on behalf of the students was the President of Eswatini students in Serbia, Thandeka Mamba, a Bachelor of Medicine student together with Rudolf Tshabalala who has just completed his master’s degree in Information Systems and Technology Management at the University of Belgrade.
They represent 65 students who are the first cohort to study in Serbia, five of whom have recently graduated.
“We are very appreciative to the Serbian government for the hospitality provided under the scholarship.
However, we would appreciate additional support from our government as the cost of our studies goes beyond what has been provided to us,” said Mamba.
She also pointed out that many students would appreciate a chance to visit home at least once in two years, but the air ticket costs are prohibitive.
These concerns, Mamba told the King, had been forwarded to the Foreign Affairs Minister Pholile Shakantu.
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Tshabalala reiterated the appreciation for the scholarship opportunity flowing from establishing bilateral ties and further highlighted that the courses being undertaken
State Photographer)
were proving the skills required to help the country meet the King’s vision of becoming a first-world country.
“I am one student who has been able to find internships in some companies from which I gained valuable experience that instils the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship,” he said.
He described the king as a visionary and planner, as evidenced by the bilateral relationship established and the benefits believed from them.