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By Kwanele Sibiya | 2024-11-17
The Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has encouraged Limkokwing University of Creative Technology Class of 2023/2024 graduates to think beyond traditional employment and consider entrepreneurship as a pathway to self-realisation and job creation.
Addressing 1 800 graduands during the institution’s 10th Graduation at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre yesterday, the premier who was represented by the Minister of Economic Planning and Development Dr. Tambo Gina, extended his warm greetings and acknowledgement to all key stakeholders who were present during the graduation ceremony.
The ceremony was attended by among others, the Principal Secretary in the Prime Minister’s office Bertram Stewart, Director of Eswatini Information and Broadcasting Services, Sabelo Dlamini and Schools Mananger, Lungelo Nhlengethwa, who represented the Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo.
The auspicious event saw the graduands being conferred with Bachelor’s Degrees and Associate Degrees.
The prime minister expressed his special appreciation to Limkokwing University of Creative Technology for organising the momentous occasion and for the institution commitment to shaping the future leaders of the nation.
“To the graduands: I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the class of 2024. Today, you stand at the threshold of a new journey. I commend each one of you for the resilience, dedication, and perseverance that has brought you to this important day,” the prime minister said, further stating that education was the cornerstone of the country’s national development.
He said the future of Eswatini does not rest solely on physical infrastructure but also on the strength of its human capital and that education empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and drives economic progress.
“As graduates, you are now central to our nation's aspirations for sustainable development, resilience, and innovation. As we look to the future, we know that innovation and creativity are vital to economic diversification. Limkokwing University plays a critical role in this transformation, providing a platform where young people like you can develop skills that align with the demands of the 21st century,” he said.
The prime minister further stated that in an era marked by rapid technological advancements and a globally interconnected society, the graduates trained in public relations, business management, information technology, and other creative fields prepared them to be both contributors to Eswatini’s growth and participants on the world stage.
“You, the youth, are catalysts for change and progress. While we recognise the challenges facing young people today, such as finding meaningful employment, we also know that education opens doors to self-employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
As a government, we are dedicated to creating an enabling environment for young people to thrive. Our economic policies are centred on fostering entrepreneurship, creating job opportunities, and developing innovation hubs to help you realise your dreams,” said the prime minister who further encouraged the graduates to think beyond traditional employment and consider entrepreneurship as a pathway to self-realisation and job creation.
“Here in Eswatini, the spirit of entrepreneurship is essential to economic empowerment, and your skills from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology should inspire you to innovate, build businesses, and lead with purpose,” he said.
The premier also said they recognise that achieving the nation’s aspirations requires collaboration across all sectors and institutions like Limkokwing Creative Technology were essential partners in this effort.
He mentioned that it was through partnerships between academia, industry, and government that they can create lasting solutions to Eswatini’s challenges.
“You have an important role to play in building a prosperous future for our country. As graduates, you come from diverse backgrounds, but you share a common purpose: to contribute to the prosperity and well-being of our beloved Eswatini.
“We urge you to remain committed to the unity of our nation and to work together in service of a shared vision for the future. In a world that is increasingly interconnected, Eswatini’s youth must seize the challenges and opportunities that come with globalisation,” Dlamini stated.
He advised the graduates that their education at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology had not only prepared them for the local job market, but also equipped them for a global career.
“The skills and knowledge you have gained here will allow you to thrive in any environment. Eswatini, as a proud and sovereign nation, is committed to building stronger diplomatic, trade, and cultural ties around the world,” he said. He pointed out that the country’s youth must be ready to represent Eswatini as ambassadors of innovation, creativity, and excellence on the world stage.
“As you leave this university, we call on you to step forward as leaders who will shape the future of Eswatini, Africa, and beyond. Challenge the status quo, use your education to make a meaningful impact in your communities and industries, and know that this is just the beginning of your journey,” he said, reminding the graduates that every challenge was an opportunity for growth.
“Embrace lifelong learning, strive to be agents of positive change, and let your work serve as a testament to your commitment to progress and excellence. Once again, congratulations to the Class of 2023/2024. The Kingdom of Eswatini is immensely proud of you, and we eagerly look forward to seeing the impact you will make.
The world awaits your talents, your innovation, and your leadership. May you go forth with courage and purpose,” Dlamini said.
We produce job creators, not job seekers – Limkokwing director
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Tfobile Gumede, congratulated His Majesty the King and for noticing the university in Malaysia and inviting Tan Sri Limkokwing to come establish it in Eswatini.
Gumede said His Majesty's vision has become a huge tree of creative and innovative leadership development in the country.
“Since inception of the university, more than 80 per cent of Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, students are sponsored by His Majesty's government each year.
This is testament to His Majesty and his government’s commitment to the empowerment of young people in the country. We also remember the founding president: the late Tan Sri Dato Sri Paduka Dr Lim Kok Wing.
Though he was the president of the university, graduation for him was a time to serve the students and their parents as they celebrate the achievement,” she said.
The director said this was the culture at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, which was all about the students and their achievements which must be thoroughly celebrated.
She said they also remember Tan Sri for his great generosity and various humanitarian works. Highlighting their corporate socially responsible activities she said, the university continues to sponsor countless Emaswati who do not qualify for government funding.
This, according to the director, was achieved through various platforms, including the deputy prime minister's office, the Imbali Foundation and direct bursary from the university.
“It is probably time to increase such assistance through the support of our industry partners,” she said.
Gumede said the scholarships has saved many students who come from severely disadvantaged backgrounds from dropping out, and the enhancement of such opportunities would not only ease the burden on government, but would widen the tertiary education net and thereby improve the skills of the economically active population of Eswatini.
“Today we are celebrating the achievement of the class of 2023/2024. Your journey has been marked by collaborations between lecturers and industry partners to ensure that your learning was not just theory but a practical experience of the concepts you were learning.
This is the power of the ‘Indursity’ concept used at Limkokwing, teaching and learning is a matter of collaboration between the university and industry, hence ‘Indursity’,” she said and further thanked all their industry partners for willingly playing this role in their quest for skills development as an institution of higher learning.
She said for companies and businesses, this comes with a lot of sacrifices and demands for resources sometimes, and they therefore appreciate their contribution in whatever way.
“From listening to students as they come to your offices seeking for information, to offering yourselves to guest lecture from time to time, absorbing students for internship training opportunities as well as absorbing graduates for permanent positions, thank you for working alongside us in this endeavour,” she said.
She also thanked companies that had gone the extra mile to award students for excellent performance during their internship training.
“Congratulations to those students who earned themselves industry awards. To parents and guardians, thank you for supporting these children who are from today assuming a status of being professionals.
Without the support of parents and guardians, many would not have made it to the finish line. Only you and your children know the sacrifices made throughout this journey, we congratulate you as parents too on this achievement,” she said. Gumede said the institution does not take lightly the efforts of their lecturers and support staff.
“Thank you for taking your time to invest in these young people, we believe you will be proud to see them making it big out there, the shine will come back to you for your investment,” she said.
The director said yesterday they were graduating the class of 2023/2024 and among them was the very first crop of Bachelor's Degrees' graduates and expressed how proud they were to release this first cohort into the labour market as they were confident of the competitiveness of their qualifications. She said tracing their alumni was important and one of the institution's top priority.
Gumede mentioned that they observed through this exercise that their graduates unemployment rate was lower than the national youth unemployment rate. “Many of our graduates live true to our slogan that we do not produce job seekers but job creators as many have started thriving businesses,” she said.
“Thank you for taking your time to invest in these young people, we believe you will be proud to see them making it big out there, the shine will come back to you for your investment,” Gumede said.
Observer journalist among
special award recipients
Eswatini Observer journalist Nokuphila Haji was awarded with the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology Award for Creativity and Innovation.
Haji, who graduated with an Associate Degree in Journalism and Media was amongst other journalist from Eswatini Observer who graduated yesterday during the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology’s 10th graduation ceremony held at Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre.
The journalist included Nokuncenda Magagula, Phumelele Mtsetfwa and Tenele Sihlongonyane who were all conferred with Associate Degrees in Journalism and Media
Students who were awarded for Academic Excellence were as follows:
1. Wakhile Dlamini- Associate Degree in Business Management.
2. Phathizwe Magagula- Associate Degree in Information Technology.
3. Siphelile Nonkhululeko Dlamini- Associate Degree in Public Relations
4. Zanele Takhona Ndeva- Associate Degree in Business Management
5. Sibusiso Dlamini- Associate Degree in Information Technology.
6. Simile Nokuphila Fakudze- Associate Degree in Public Relations
7. Asanda Ian Dlamini- Associate Degree in Architectural Technology
8. Philasande Jabulani Sibanyoni
Students who were awarded with the Tan Sri Limkokwin Award for Extraordinary Achievement.
1.Busisekile Gamedze- Associate Degree in Public Relations
2. Zanda Ayanda Mamba- Associate Degree in Television and Film Production
3. Lindelwa Mamba- Associate Degree in International Tourism
4. Linda Ndlangamandla- Associate Degree in International Tourism.
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