by Ncaba Ntshakala
HIS Majesty King Mswati III’s vision has grown into a towering tree of creative and innovative leadership development in Eswatini, as evidenced by the success of the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.
Since the university’s establishment in 2011, more than 80% of its students have been sponsored annually by His Majesty’s government.
This support was hailed as an example of the government’s continued dedication to empowering the youth of Eswatini through education and skills development.
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This sentiment was echoed by Campus Director Tfobile Gumede during the institution’s graduation ceremony for the classes of 2023 and 2024, held at the Mavuso Exhibition and Trade Centre.
She expressed heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to His Majesty the King and Ngwenyama of Eswatini for recognizing the potential of the university, which was originally founded in Malaysia, and for inviting Tan Sri Limkokwing to establish a branch in Eswatini.
According to Gumede, the vision to bring Limkokwing to Eswatini has created a lasting impact on the nation’s youth, equipping them with skills essential for the labour market and economic development.
As the university celebrated its 10th graduation ceremony, Gumede took a moment to honour the institution’s late founder, Tan Sri Datu Sri Paduka Dr. Limkokwing, who was known for his dedication to students’ achievements and hisgenerous humanitarian efforts.
In his memory, the university continues to uphold a student-centred approach to education.
The celebrations were enriched by performances from the Limkokwing choir, whose songs expressed appreciation for parents and supporters who have stood by the students throughout their academic journeys.
Gumede also highlighted the university’s contributions to the community, particularly through scholarships and financial aid.
Limkokwing University has provided significant support to students who might not otherwise qualify for government funding, including collaborations with the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office and the Imbali Foundation.
These scholarships have been a lifeline for many students from disadvantaged backgrounds, enabling them to complete their studies and improve their future prospects.
Gumede urged industry partners to expand their support to further enhance these opportunities, emphasizing that doing so would not only alleviate the financial burden on the government but also broaden access to higher education, therebystrengthening the nation’s skilled workforce.
In her address, Gumede lauded the university’s distinctive “intensity” approach, which integrates academic learning with practical industry experience.
She said that the graduating students’ journey was marked by close collaboration between lecturers and industry partners, ensuring that their education was not merely theoretical but also grounded in real-world applications.
She also extended special thanks to businesses and organizations that provided internships, guest lectures, and other forms of support, helping to shape the graduates into competent professionals ready to enter the workforce.
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Moreover, the Campus Director acknowledged the vital role played by parents and guardians, she expressed gratitude for their continued support of the graduates.
She noted that without their sacrifices, many of these students would not have reached this significant milestone.
“Only you, parents and guardians, and your children know the extent of the sacrifices that have been made throughout this journey,” she said.
She also recognized the dedication of lecturers and support staff who invested their time and effort in shaping the graduates, confident that their hard work would shine through the achievements of their students in their future careers.
The highlight of the ceremony was the graduation of the university’s first cohort of bachelor’s degree holders, which was said to be a significant milestone in the institution’s journey.
Gumede expressed pride in releasing this new group of graduates into the labour market, confident in the competitiveness of their qualifications.
