By EPN Staff
MBABANE – Eswatini has taken a bold step in promoting vocational skills and entrepreneurship through its first-ever national skills competition. The event, organized by government in collaboration with the Taiwan Embassy, showcased the exceptional talent, creativity, and dedication of young participants in trades such as cooking, motor mechanics, and welding.
Speaking at the closing ceremony at Sibane Hotel, Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo, through Under Secretary-Administration Nanikie Mnisi, applauded the competitors, emphasizing that they were all winners. “Regardless of placement, the experience gained and skills refined here will serve as a strong foundation for your future,” he said.
The competition, which ran for three days, saw schools and vocational institutions competing for top honors. Winners were awarded startup packs, an initiative aimed at equipping them to launch their own businesses. Minister Nxumalo expressed optimism that this event will become an annual tradition, fostering a culture of innovation and self-sufficiency among Eswatini’s youth.
With skills development now at the forefront of national priorities, the competition has set a new benchmark for vocational education in Eswatini. It is a beacon of hope for aspiring artisans and entrepreneurs, proving that with the right support, young people can transform their talents into sustainable livelihoods.
