By Gcwalisile Mhlabane (Intern)
KWALUSENI – In an exciting initiative to equip university students with the skills and insights needed for the professional world, the University of Eswatini Festival Club has introduced a groundbreaking platform. This new endeavor seeks to bridge the gap between students and industry leaders, creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
Through engaging discussions and expert insights, the Festival Club aims to empower students to navigate the complexities of the job market while connecting them directly with influential professionals. This innovative approach promises to transform the educational landscape and inspire the next generation of leaders.
The first podcast episode is now available on the Varsity Updates Eswatini YouTube channel, released on June 21, 2025, titled ,UNESWA FM Chat with Wandile , (MTN CEO). The podcast was underway at The University of Eswatini, Kwaluseni campus, on May 23, 2025. Everybody is welcome to learn more from the podcast and delve into Wandile Mtshali’s journey to success.
The podcast features Wandile Mtshali, MTN Eswatini’s Chief Executive Officer, where he discusses his personal journey and shares insights into various aspects of MTN’s operations. He highlights the company’s commitment to improving data connectivity for students, the importance of innovation in the telecommunications sector, and how MTN is working to meet the evolving needs of its customers. His experiences and perspectives provide valuable lessons for students aspiring to enter the corporate world.
The podcast was hosted by the vibrant Uneswa Fm broadcasters, Setsabelo Gamedze (Dallas Day) and Asakhona Dlamini (Asa D), the episode attracted a diverse audience eager to engage in this vital conversation. In addition to the hosts and the CEO, the podcast featured contributions from emerging musicians and local creatives, including South African actor Thulane Shange, known for his roles in The Wife (2021), Big Nunu’s Little Heist (2023), Uzalo and The Last Fight(2022). His presence and energetic acting skills added an exciting dimension to the dialogue.
According to Dallas Day, the show is sponsored by MTN Pulse. “The idea was for students to have direct communication with the MTN CEO, to ask any issues openly in terms of how MTN can improve their data connection so that students can easily utilize it for study purposes,” he narrates.
Dallas Day further stated that the dialogue is inspired by the love of the youth and the potential they possess. “It was basically about how MTN can have a conversation with UNESWA students in a friendly environment, hence incorporating emerging musicians on the day, including Wangbamba hitmaker Young Keyz, Thilza Orwell, Emstar Teaniba, a Bushfire Firefly finalist, and DRT. It was about having serious conversations in a lighter, youthful mood.” He narrates.
Siyabonga Seeya Dlamini, a second-year BSc in Information Science student, shared his thoughts on the podcast:
“I found the MTN CEO Chat with Mr. Wandile truly inspiring and eye-opening. One of the biggest takeaways for me was the emphasis on what makes an ideal candidate for a company like MTN, not just academic performance, but also attitude, discipline, and engagement in meaningful activities that foster personal growth and mental well-being. Another key highlight was learning about the MTN Skills Academy, an online platform that provides access to international qualifications. It’s a powerful tool for us as students to develop globally relevant skills without leaving the country. Anyone who watches this conversation on YouTube will walk away with actionable insights on how to shape their career path and make smarter use of the digital tools at their fingertips.”
Key Insights from the podcast:
– Direct Communication: Students can engage openly with MTN regarding data speed and pricing.
– Internship Opportunities: Insights on how to secure internships at MTN are shared.
– Hiring Criteria: Understanding MTN’s hiring processes helps students prepare for job applications.
– Support for Creatives: Aspiring podcasters receive guidance on applying for sponsorships.
– Mental Health Awareness: The podcast addresses rising mental health issues, offering motivation and coping strategies for academic pressure.
The Festival Club is already planning another edition of the podcast for when the university reopens in September, with aspirations to reach out to other institutions in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
(Courtesy Pics)
