BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
KWALUSENI– Ten University of Eswatini (UNESWA) students have secured fully paid internships through a partnership between Eswatini Mobile and the Inyatsi Group of Companies, in a move aimed at tackling youth unemployment and preparing graduates for the world of work.
The three-month internship programme, fully funded by Eswatini Mobile, will see the students placed across various Inyatsi Group companies, where they will gain practical experience under the guidance of industry professionals.
Speaking during the launch on July 8,2026, Inyatsi Group Holdings Chairman Michelo Shakantu building world-class businesses begins with investing in people.
“Developing world-class businesses also means developing world-class people,” he said.
Shakantu said the programme supports His Majesty King Mswati III’s vision of transforming Eswatini into a First World nation by developing a skilled, innovative and productive workforce.
He said the initiative would help bridge the gap between classroom learning and the workplace by giving students practical experience across the Inyatsi Group’s diverse businesses, including telecommunications, construction, engineering, media, healthcare, insurance and other specialised sectors.
Shakantu said every internship represented more than just a temporary placement.
“It is a chance to build confidence, develop practical skills and create a pathway into meaningful employment,” he said.
He noted that the State of the Youth Report 2026 estimates youth unemployment in Eswatini at between 56 and 58.7 per cent, making partnerships between government, universities and the private sector essential in creating employment opportunities.
The chairman said the internships were fully paid because young people should not have to choose between gaining work experience and earning a living. Each intern will also be assigned a mentor, while the company’s People and Culture Office will continue monitoring and coaching them even after the programme ends.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Shakantu urged them to embrace the opportunity with discipline and determination.
“What you are starting today is not just a line on your CV. It is a responsibility. Work hard, ask questions, make mistakes and learn from them,” he said.
Eswatini Mobile Chief Executive Officer said the company was committed to investing in young people and ensuring education translated into meaningful employment opportunities.
The event was attended by Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Training , who represented the Minister for Education and Training, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, representatives from the University of Eswatini and the Students’ Representative Council, as well as executives from Eswatini Mobile and the Inyatsi Group.
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(Courtesy Pic)
