Swazi Observer

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ENTC CEO’S CONSERVATION VS PROFIT DILEMMA

By SIBUSISO DLAMINI | 2025-01-22

Newly appointed Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Thulani Methula, faces the formidable task of steering an organisation traditionally rooted in conservation towards a sustainable financial future.

Methula was announced as the new CEO by Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, this week, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the parastatal.

This follows the departure of Hlobsile Sikhosana in February last year.
Sikhosana now works in Kenya as a representative for Eastern and Southern Africa at the World Meteorological Organisation.

During Methula’s appointment ceremony, Minister Mkhonta-Simelane was unequivocal in outlining her expectations, urging him to focus on generating revenue for government, while also promoting the value of Eswatini’s biodiversity, and exploring underutilised historical sites to boost tourism.

The minister also emphasised the need for a positive reputation, reminding Methula that the ENTC’s performance directly reflects on government.

Speaking during a sit-down interview two days after assuming the hot-seat, Methula acknowledged the challenge of balancing the institution’s mandate of conserving natural and cultural heritage with the pressing need for financial independence, but assured that he was up for the challenge of ensuring the delicate balance.

On this account, he emphasised the importance of moving beyond traditional conservation-based revenue streams to ensure ENTC’s long-term viability.

“We want to assert ourselves as an institution of national importance, and you can't be important if you can't sustain yourself,” Methula said, outlining his vision for an ENTC that generates revenue, not only through its conservation mandate, but also by exploring innovative, diversified income streams.

Methula’s optimism was palpable as he detailed the commission’s extensive asset base, including significant portions of land in protected areas such as Malolotja Nature Reserve, which spans 18 000 hectares.

“We own about 15 000 hectares of that,” he said, adding that ENTC also owns its head office, a rarity among public enterprises in the country.

These assets, Methula argued, provide a solid foundation for creative, revenue-generating initiatives.

“We have to be open-minded and try to explore other income-generating avenues,” he explained, hinting at a strategic pivot to learn from other parastatals that have successfully blended profitability with their core mandates.

Methula, however, was careful to state that any initiatives must align with ENTC’s founding principles, maintaining its integrity as a custodian of the country’s natural and cultural heritage.

As the country faces increasing pressure to boost its economy and industries like mining often clashing with conservation goals, Methula put emphasis on the importance of finding a middle ground.

“The aspect of coexistence would be very, very important,” he said, advocating for a ‘landscape approach’ that harmonises perceived conflicting land uses.

“We have to find a way of ensuring that we have a common ground or we are compatible or we coexist,” he added.

Philosophy
Methula said the philosophy of coexistence also extends to the ENTC’s proposed ‘Big Five’ initiative, which aims to boost tourism by highlighting the country’s biodiversity.

He explained that he envisions a holistic approach that integrates technical, scientific, economic and social considerations for the initiative to succeed.

“Everything is all about coexistence,” he reiterated, signalling a commitment to balancing competing interests.

The CEO said fostering positive interrelations within the ENTC is a priority for him, stating that he believes that a harmonious internal environment is a prerequisite for delivering quality work.

“Good relations or a good image starts in-house,” he stated, pointing to efforts to improve communication between management and staff through regular meetings.

This approach, he said, also extends to external stakeholders, acknowledging that public perception of the ENTC has been shaped by past challenges, including resource constraints and financial difficulties.

He was, however, quick to highlight recent progress, particularly in meeting statutory obligations.
“We’ve made massive strides as an institution over the past three years,” he said, expressing optimism about ongoing efforts to address remaining challenges.

“I don’t want to promise much than that I will do my utmost best,” he pledged, calling for the support of staff, stakeholders and partners.

Methula said he believes his extensive experience as Director of National Parks has thoroughly prepared him for the challenges of his new role, highlighting how his former position immersed him in the core operations of ENTC, providing him with invaluable leadership experience.

“The Department of Parks is the heartbeat of the commission, driving about 75 per cent of ENTC’s programmes,” he stated, emphasising its pivotal role in conservation efforts and operational strategy.

As Director of National Parks, Methula managed ENTC’s largest department, overseeing its highest staff complement and spearheading critical initiatives.

This role, he explained, demanded strategic decision-making and close collaboration with the executive committee.

“I was part of EXCO, contributing to sub-committee meetings and advising the CEO on technical and administrative matters,” he shared.

Methula also noted his prior experience acting as CEO during the substantive CEO’s absence, which further solidified his confidence in managing the organisation.

Opportunities
“These opportunities exposed me to the complexities of executive leadership,” he said, crediting his hands-on involvement in ENTC’s operations for his readiness to take on the top position.

Beyond ENTC, Methula drew from a wealth of experience in environmental conservation, which he believes enhances his ability to navigate the dual mandate of profitability and preservation.
He said his tenure as Director of national parks, coupled with years of fieldwork and administration, has honed his ability to balance competing priorities.

“Managing such a crucial department prepared me to step into this role with a clear vision and determination to drive ENTC forward,” Methula stated, expressing his commitment to building on the commission’s successes while addressing future challenges.

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