BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
EZULWINI– In a bold and forward-looking step aimed at strengthening the credibility and transformation of Eswatini’s education assessment system, the Examinations Council of Eswatini (ECESWA) has launched its Five-Year Strategic Plan (2026–2031), a learner-centred roadmap designed to enhance efficiency, accountability and measurable impact across the national examinations system.
With a clear vision of “Shaping Futures Through Credible Assessments” — or in SiSwati, “Sakha Likusasa Ngeluhlolo Lolusezingeni” — ECESWA says the new strategic direction reflects its commitment to building a stronger, more responsive and future-ready assessment system that delivers credible and quality examinations for learners across Eswatini.
The strategy also marks a decisive shift from previous frameworks that did not fully achieve intended outcomes, introducing a more focused, practical and results-driven approach that places implementation at the centre of institutional performance and service delivery.
The Chairperson of the ECESWA Board, Sipho Shongwe, said the strategy marks one of the most significant planning milestones in the organisation’s history.
“I am very pleased to present such a robust, impactful and learner-centred Strategic Plan in the history of the organisation,” said Shongwe. “As we began this process, we recognised that the previous plan had not fully achieved the intended outcomes, and we saw the need for a fresh, practical and results-driven approach.”
Shongwe said the new plan was intentionally designed to be simple, focused and built around achievable priorities that will strengthen implementation and service delivery across the organisation.
“This is a straightforward and focused plan built on clear priorities and achievable objectives. We move forward with confidence that it will deliver on its purpose and position the organisation for sustainable growth and meaningful impact,” he said.
At the centre of the strategy is a strong emphasis on implementation, accountability and measurable progress, with ECESWA stressing that the plan is designed to function as a living framework that actively guides action rather than remaining a static document.
“The heart of this plan is effective implementation. We did not want a document that would remain on the shelf; we wanted a living strategy that drives action, accountability and measurable progress across the organisation,” said Shongwe.
He further highlighted that one of the key milestones in developing the strategy was the establishment of a comprehensive institutional framework and clear deliverables that will guide execution across departments, ensuring alignment and consistency in delivery.
Shongwe reaffirmed the Board’s full commitment to supporting management in ensuring that the strategic goals are successfully implemented for the benefit of learners, parents and the nation at large.
He noted that improved alignment across departments is expected to strengthen coordination, enhance efficiency and ensure that all teams work collectively towards shared national education priorities.
“This strategy is more than a document; it is a roadmap for progress, accountability and impact,” Shongwe said. “We are confident that through teamwork, discipline and commitment, it will drive the organisation towards a stronger, more efficient and more successful future.”
The five-year direction is expected to guide ECESWA in strengthening examination credibility, modernising institutional systems, improving assessment quality and ensuring that national examinations remain fair, reliable and aligned with evolving education demands.
Stakeholders have welcomed the development, describing it as a timely and positive milestone that will strengthen public confidence in the education system while improving learner preparedness for higher education and the world of work.
#EPN#ECESWA #EducationEswatini #StrategicPlan #EswatiniNews #EducationDevelopment #AssessmentSystems #CredibleAssessments #ShapingFutures #NationalDevelopment #JTMMedia
(Courtesy Pic)
