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By SIFISO DLAMINI | 2024-10-06
His Majesty King Mswati III says the University of Eswatini is a national asset with a prominent place in the education of society and it is critical to make sure it gets all the necessary support from the people.
Addressing students during the 42nd UNESWA graduation ceremonyyesterday for the conferment degrees and awards of certificates and diplomas held at Kwaluseni campus in Matsapha,
His Majesty said any university that is worth its salt, needs to offer sound programmes that are relevant to the world of work. He said UNESWA had shown exceptional growth as seen in the improvement in student intake and staff compliment despite the 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.
The nation and partners are encouraged to collaborate to raise funds for the university's aspirations of producing high-quality graduates for the future economy,” he said.
His Majesty said the national objective was to rank among the best higher learning institutions globally, achieving this through innovation, entrepreneurship and community engagement. He further encouraged UNESWA to align with the African Development Agenda and said the African continent had implemented national development plans and industrial policies in line with the United Nations (UN) and African Union's (AU) sustainable development agendas. To align with these goals,
His Majesty said the country’s economy was guided by the 2023-2028 National Development Plan and 2023-2033 Industrial Policy, which emphasised on value-addition, production diversification, complex exports and participation in local and global value chains.
He therefore, challenged UNESWA and all local stakeholders to collaborate and invest in research, innovation and incubation initiatives focusing on inclusive economic growth and sustainable development. Expanding on the role of tertiary institutions in achieving the development goals, the King said tertiary education was crucial for a nation's economic development, providing education to people from diverse backgrounds.
He acknowledged that UNESWA had consistently provided training to the general population, leading to significant economic growth in the country.
The King, however, said society expected dynamic responses from higher education regarding human capabilities for future jobs and high-tech industries. “Universities should ensure their programmes are relevant to the economic drive, producing innovative and creative graduates who contribute to the kingdom's economic development,” said the King and further urged government to ensure adequate funding for the initiative.
He also urged the university to take a lead in the tertiary sector, advising government on finance, economics, ICT, health and social programmes and challenged the institution to provide relevant curricula, high quality research and effective community engagement. “Stakeholders expected excellence in teaching and learning, which may involve offering student centred programmes and said high-quality research and innovation should expand existing knowledge and inform policy.”
The King said research users, such as government, wanted to know how relevant the research output was to formulate sharper policy. He said academics should also undertake research that provides guidance on the development agenda of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the African continent at large.
Challenges institution to offer sound programmes
The King has pledged government’s support to the University of Eswatini (UNESWA). His Majesty the King assured that government was committed to supporting the institution in all their programmes to ensure that the university developed and attained all their future aspirations and programmes.
The King encouraged the private sector to play their part and support the university. He said the institution needed all the support it could get from both government and the private sector. He commended the Eswatini Competition Commission which partnered with the university to establish the Disability Resource Centre while urging other companies to also play their part.
He encouraged private and public companies to join the great vision shown by UNESWA and assured that land would be allocated for any company that desired to construct whatever industry oriented project that would further assist the institution reach their goals.
The King stated that it had also come to his attention that the university received support in various aspects of its core business. He expressed appreciation for the role played by all the stakeholders that have continuously extended a helping hand for the development of the institution.
RSTP key to growth
His Majesty the King has urged the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP) to partner with the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) to leverage technological capabilities.
The King said it was important to note the pivotal role of the RSTP in the development of the kingdom of Eswatini. “Investment in innovation and technology is crucial for economic growth and the RSTP needs to partner with the university to leverage scientific and technological capabilities,” he said.
The King said similar to other nations, the RSTP needed to catalyse significant economic development through investment in human and physical capital, alignment of education with workplace needs, relevant industrial policy and a conducive macro-development environment. He, therefore, said the university,
RSTP, and other development partners should work together to achieve rapid and inclusive economic growth in order to help the country achieve sustainable growth.
Prioritise strategic planning and self-sustainability
His Majesty King Mswati III has challenged the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) to prioritise strategic planning and self-sustainability.
He said with the increase in higher learning institutions requiring financial support, the university must urgently remodel its financing mechanism to supplement government subsidies and tuition fees.
He said he was pleased that the university had begun implementing its five-year strategic plan to address financial challenges and improve its teaching, learning, innovation, research and community engagement, graduates quality and staff welfare.
He said the active participation of all external stakeholders in this process, including government, organisations and the private sector, was commendable. The King said the plan must help improve the institution's financial self-sufficiency and address the needs of the general population.
King commends over 1 200 graduates
His Majesty King Mswati III has encouraged the 2024 graduates to take advantage of business and entrepreneurial opportunities in both public and private sectors.
The King said it was a great honour to be at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) to celebrate the excellent academic achievements of the 2024 graduates at the 42nd congregation of the university.
He said yesterday was a momentous day for the 1 250 Emaswati who the Senate had determined were eligible to receive various certificates for satisfying all of their academic requirements.
He welcomed parents, relatives, and family members, including those who had journeyed from near and far to witness yesterday’s achievers, who worked hard through sleepless nights. He congratulated the 1 250 graduates who were celebrating their achievement with families, friends and lecturers.
He said captains of industry were also encouraged to offer internship programmes that would prepare the graduates for full-time employment when an opportunity arose. The King said the training had prepared the graduates to fit into the job market and contribute to the development of their communities and the country.
“You are encouraged to use government and partner funds to venture into various businesses and start-ups for financial sustainability and community development you must adapt to every opportunity and use the skills you have acquired to make a living,” said the King.
He discharged the graduates into the world, where they were expected to hit the ground running. “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 said.
The King also thanked everyone who assisted with organising the ceremony and for the wonderful gifts presented to him and further wised all graduates the best in their future endeavours.
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