BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
EZULWINI – The first cohort of graduates from the National Digital Skills Programme was certified during a colourful ceremony held at Ezulwini Community Hall on March 4, 2026, marking a significant milestone in efforts to equip emaSwati with modern digital competencies.
The programme, implemented by the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) in partnership with key stakeholders, attracted overwhelming participation, with more than 1 700 students enrolled at the Ezulwini centre alone. This has positioned the Hhohho region at the forefront of the country’s growing digital transformation drive.
The programme builds on a strong foundation established when Minister Savannah Maziya, Minister of Information, Communication and Technology, officially launched a new computer lab at Ezulwini Umphakatsi on May 14, 2025.
The lab transformed the royal homestead into a digital hub, providing technology and internet access to the local community and helping bridge the digital divide. ESCCOM partnered in this initiative to ensure the community fully benefits from modern digital tools.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, ESCCOM Chief Executive Officer Mvilawemphi Dlamini commended the graduates for their determination and resilience in completing the intensive training programme.
Dlamini described the graduates as pioneers of digital transformation within their communities, noting that the skills acquired would open new opportunities in education, entrepreneurship and employment.
Top performing students, Gcinile Masina and Mthokozisi Vilakati, were recognised for their outstanding performance after successfully mastering advanced courses in Cisco networking and Python programming. The two were rewarded with tablets sponsored by the MTN Eswatini Foundation to support their continued learning.
The Chief of Ezulwini Umphakatsi Sifiso Mashampu Khumalo applauded the graduates for raising the standard of the area through their commitment to learning.
He noted that the newly acquired 21st-century digital skills would enable the graduates to take up leadership roles and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities.
The programme is implemented through partnerships with organisations including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO), Eswatini National Youth Council and Wanderport Eswatini.
Meanwhile, the ceremony also highlighted an inspiring story of lifelong learning through 85-year-old Sipho Dlamini, who attended the event expressing his desire to acquire digital skills despite leaving school at the age of 15.
Dlamini said he was inspired by the achievements of the graduates and remains determined to learn modern digital skills in order to keep up with the changing world.
The National Digital Skills Programme is expected to continue expanding across the country, with upcoming graduations scheduled for Siteki and Simunye before moving to Lavumisa.
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