Govt in a bid to transform country’s schools into sanctuaries of growth- Minister

By Thokozani Mazibuko

Eswatini will continue expanding Competency-Based Education (CBE) into the secondary phase of General Education beginning in 2026, in a bid to transform the country’s schools into sanctuaries of growth, creativity and opportunity.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo yesterday during the 5th National Conference on Curriculum held under the theme, ‘Working Towards the Education Global Agenda 2030: Implementing Curriculum Reform(s) in Eswatini.’ held at The George Hotel.

Making his remarks, the minister said as stakeholders, they were gathered under a shared vision, one that places education at the very heart of national transformation and global progress for Eswatini.

“Our theme, ‘Working Towards the Education Global Agenda 2030: Implementing Curriculum Reform(s) in Eswatini,’ is more than a slogan. It is a declaration of intent, a commitment to shaping a future peace, where education drives prosperity, and inclusivity,” he said.

The minister said this theme aligns with the nation’s aspirations of relevant and quality education stipulated in numerous policy documents.

He said at the core of these aspirations lies a powerful truth: education is a catalyst for sustainable development and social change.

“That is why the importance of this conference cannot be overstated. I am pleased to affirm that our national pursuit of relevant and quality education aligns seamlessly with global aspirations, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which champions inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all,” he said.

The minister said the ministry’s policies and the work of the conference reflect Eswatini’s belief that SDG 4 was not a distant ambition but a shared responsibility they are determined to fulfil.

He said the ministry’s journey toward educational transformation began in earnest in 2011, with the launch of the Education Sector Policy. He said this policy empowered their institutions, including the National Curriculum Centre, to lead the development and implementation of CBE across all levels of General Education.

Nxumalo stated that through ongoing curriculum reform, the ministry aims to transform the country’s schools into sanctuaries of growth, creativity, and opportunity.

“To our educators, industry leaders, parents, and stakeholders, we emphasise that CBE is not just a new approach; it is a transformative one. CBE nurtures learners to become problem-solvers; individuals who acquire knowledge and apply it to develop relevant skills, values, and shape positive behaviours,” Nxumalo said.

He stated that by integrating essential 21st Century Skills, CBE seeks to empower the country’s learners to compete and collaborate on a global scale.

He pointed out that the ministry of education and training was committed to ensuring that CBE was implemented in classrooms across Eswatini with real, measurable impact.

“In this journey, teachers are the champions of change. You are the architects of this transformation and are therefore urged to embrace CBE as the cornerstone for equipping learners with the skills, values, and behaviours needed to thrive in a dynamic world.

As we gather here today, let us remember that the future of our nation will be crafted in classrooms, with teachers as the authors of our destiny,” he said.