BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE– ECOT graduate and current Power Generation Manager at the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC), Doctor Hlongwane, has urged Eswatini College of Technology (ECOT) Class of 2025 to shift away from a culture of criticism and instead focus on seizing the many opportunities available to them through government support and their own initiative.
Speaking during the college’s graduation ceremony on Friday, November 28, 2025 at St Mark’s High School in Mbabane, Hlongwane encouraged the new graduates to abandon what he described as an unproductive mindset of complaint. He stressed that young people should take practical steps towards building meaningful and sustainable livelihoods by making full use of existing government programmes, digital learning platforms and their own creativity.
“Do not criticise the government,” he said, urging graduates to refrain from perpetuating the belief that nothing is being done to address unemployment. He emphasised that the Government of Eswatini has put in place structures, funding schemes and support mechanisms intended to uplift those who are prepared to take responsibility for their personal growth and development.
Drawing on his own life story, Hlongwane illustrated that progress is possible when individuals choose action over excuses. He shared the example of his peanut-based cooking oil venture, which he developed after receiving assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture. “The government has done a lot. In the ministries there is funding, like the Ministry of Agriculture. I am a testimony. I got help from Agriculture. I use peanuts to make cooking oil; it is healthy, and all of you here will soon be my customers,” he said, prompting enthusiastic applause from the students.
He explained that he learned the skill of producing cooking oil by using YouTube as a training resource, demonstrating how digital tools can open doors for anyone willing to learn. After refining his idea, he approached the Ministry of Agriculture, which supported the project.
Hlongwane told the graduating class to treat their qualifications as toolboxes rather than simply pieces of paper. He advised that these qualifications should be used to solve problems, create opportunities and positively impact communities. Waiting rigidly for a job that perfectly aligns with one’s field of study, he warned, can delay meaningful progress. Instead, he encouraged graduates to be adaptable and proactive. “As a graduate, do not wait for a job that aligns with your studies. Go out there and get something. Even if it means volunteering, do that,” he said.
Throughout his address, Hlongwane emphasised the importance of becoming solution-driven citizens who view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than barriers. He reminded the graduates that national development is a shared responsibility: while government provides platforms and support, it is up to the youth to apply creativity, discipline and determination.
The ECOT 2025 graduation ceremony therefore became more than simply a celebration of academic achievement. It became a powerful call to action, encouraging young professionals to reject negativity, turn away from criticism and fully embrace the opportunities available to them.
With his compelling message, Doctor Hlongwane reinforced a transformative principle: progress begins when individuals stop pointing fingers and start using the platforms designed to empower them. His message remained clear and consistent – refrain from criticism, seize opportunities, set aside excuses and build solutions that contribute to Eswatini’s forward movement.
