BY LINDELWA MYENI
MBABANE – Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development Thabsile Mlangeni has called for teachers who help learners excel in regional and continental competitions to be recognised for their contribution to their pupils’ success.
Mlangeni said educators play a critical role in nurturing learners’ abilities and should also be recognised when their pupils achieve outstanding results in competitions.
She was speaking during the official 2026 SADC Essay Competition Awards Ceremony held today, where three secondary school learners and one tertiary student were recognised for their achievements.
Among those honoured were Hlelolwenkhosi Simelane of Evelyn Baring High School, who received E9 000, Lenhle Khumalo of Evelyn Baring High School, who received E5 400, and Bhekiwe Tsabedze of Ka-Boyce High School, who received E3 600.
University of Eswatini student Vuyelwa Karabo Simelane, who emerged as the overall winner of the 2026 SADC Tertiary Institution Essay Competition, also received further recognition during the ceremony.
Vuyelwa had previously been recognised at the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government after securing first position in the regional competition, earning US$2 000 and a Certificate of Excellence.
On Friday, she received additional gifts, including a laptop, while a projector was presented to her faculty to support academic activities.
Mlangeni’s call highlighted the important role teachers play in turning learners’ potential into achievement, particularly in competitions that require research, critical thinking and strong writing skills.
The Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, also acknowledged the contribution of teachers, school heads and parents to the success of the competition’s participants, describing teachers as an important link between a learner’s potential and achievement.
The 2026 SADC Essay Competition challenged young people to engage with regional issues, conduct research and develop ideas that could contribute to the development of Southern Africa.
Mlangeni’s call therefore broadens the recognition of excellence beyond the learners who receive awards, to include the educators whose guidance and support help them reach such achievements.
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