BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
SITEKI – Siteki youth have been urged to look beyond the challenges of today, recognise their strengths and make meaningful use of every opportunity available to them to shape better futures.
The call was made by Finance Minister Neal Herman Rijkenberg on August 14, 2026, when he served as Guest of Honour at the Educational Development Conference held at Mawala Hall in Siteki.
Hosted by Fuzula Lubombo Multipurpose Cooperative in partnership with Siteki Town Council, the conference brought together stakeholders committed to strengthening education and creating opportunities for school-going children and young people in Siteki and neighbouring communities.
Rijkenberg encouraged young people to take advantage of the resources and opportunities around them, while challenging them to understand that success can take many forms.
“Success does not necessarily mean becoming a businessperson,” said Rijkenberg.
He urged young people to first identify their strengths and then channel them into areas where they can excel.
“Identify your strengths and channel them into areas where you can excel,” he said.
The Minister’s message placed emphasis on self-discovery, skills development and the responsible use of opportunities as young people prepare for their futures.
He also commended Fuzula Lubombo Multipurpose Cooperative for taking the initiative to establish the organisation and applauded the strides it has made in ensuring that it operates smoothly and sustainably.
Rijkenberg particularly praised the cooperative’s organisation, structured operations and the manner in which its business premises are maintained.
Speaking at the same conference, Fuzula Lubombo Multipurpose Cooperative Chairperson Maxwell Simelane said the gathering was a practical demonstration of the cooperative’s commitment to advancing child development.
Simelane said the conference was aligned with Thematic Area 2 of the Eswatini National Plan of Action for Children 2023–2027, which focuses on development.
He outlined initiatives already being implemented in Siteki to give children and young people greater support in their educational journey.
These include afternoon classes providing additional academic assistance to learners, extracurricular sports and clubs, as well as digital skills development through the iRISE Business Hub.
Simelane said the initiatives were designed to give young people more than classroom knowledge by creating opportunities for them to develop academically, discover their talents and acquire practical skills.
He also called for stronger cooperation among Government, civil society and communities.
“We need strengthened collaboration between Government, civil society and communities to align resources, reduce school dropouts and create sustainable pathways for young people,” said Simelane.
His call highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in addressing the challenges faced by children and young people, particularly those related to education, skills development and the transition from school into productive livelihoods.
The conference also demonstrated how community-based initiatives can complement national efforts aimed at improving outcomes for children.
Through additional academic support, sports, clubs and digital skills programmes, young people are being exposed to opportunities that can help them develop confidence and discover areas in which they can thrive.
The involvement of Siteki Town Council further strengthened the partnership approach, bringing local leadership closer to initiatives focused on the development of young people.
As discussions unfolded at Mawala Hall, one message emerged strongly: investing in young people requires both opportunity and action.
Young people must be encouraged to recognise what they can do and develop those abilities, while communities and institutions must continue creating platforms through which those abilities can flourish.
The Educational Development Conference therefore provided a timely platform to encourage Siteki youth to take ownership of their future while reminding stakeholders of their responsibility to create an enabling environment for young people to succeed.
With education, skills development, digital exposure and talent development forming part of the agenda, the conference reinforced the belief that empowering young people today can lay a stronger foundation for the future of Siteki and Eswatini.
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