BY NONTSETSELELO DLAMINI (INTERN)
MBABANE – The Government of Eswatini has restated its commitment to transforming sport and strengthening sports education following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Institute of Development Management (IDM) and the Eswatini Sports Council in Mbabane on Monday, May 11, 2026.
The agreement, witnessed by the Ministry of Sport, Culture and Youth Affairs, introduces cooperation in sports management training, curriculum development, athlete support, and capacity building. It also marks the rollout of Eswatini’s first Diploma in Sports Management and the awarding of two scholarships to high-performing athletes.
Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Hon. Bongani Nzima, described the partnership as a major step in professionalising sport in the country, saying it aligns with the Government’s Programme of Action.“This is not just a signing ceremony, it is a declaration that Eswatini is committed to building a structured, professional and competitive sports sector,” Nzima said.
He added that investment in people remains central to government strategy, noting that real progress in sport is not only about facilities, but about developing educated and certified professionals who can lead the sector forward.
Speaking on behalf of IDM, Board Chairperson and Country Director Karabo Baipidi said the institution is undergoing a strategic transformation that places sports education at the centre of its academic growth.
Baipidi said IDM’s decision to introduce the Diploma in Sports Management was driven by a national need to professionalise the sector. “We believe in the athlete beyond the field of play,” he said. He said that it was the institution’s responsibility to ensure that those who represent the country are also equipped with education and career pathways that would sustain them long after their sporting careers.
He further noted that the newly introduced scholarships are a deliberate investment in both students and national sport development.“This is not a token gesture,it is an investment in excellence ,athletes bring discipline, resilience and a winning mindset that will uplift the entire learning environment at IDM,”said Baipidi.
He added that the MoU creates a structured framework for long-term cooperation, including joint curriculum development, experiential learning opportunities, and sports administration training. The agreement also provides for collaboration in research, sports science development, and improved access to sports infrastructure, which stakeholders say is critical for practical training.
Baipidi said IDM also envisions expanding into Sports Science in the future, noting that modern sport requires modern science if Eswatini is to remain competitive. The partnership is expected to run over three years, with both institutions committing to regular monitoring and implementation reviews to ensure impact.
Officials from both IDM and the Eswatini Sports Council described the agreement as a milestone in aligning education with sport development, aimed at producing professionally trained administrators, coaches, and athletes capable of competing at regional and international level.
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