BY MBONGENI NDLELA
EZULWINI – In a powerful display of hope and determination, 140 graduates from the National Handcraft Training Centre (NHTC) and the Co-operative College of Eswatini (ECODEC) marked a significant milestone in their lives during a joint graduation ceremony held this morning in Ezulwini.
The event was graced by the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, and the Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, who underscored the crucial role of skills development in overcoming poverty.
Khumalo, in his address, spoke passionately about the need for emaSwati (Swazi people) to shift from a mindset of seeking employment to one of creating opportunities for themselves and others.
“Poverty will not be overcome by seeking employment alone,” he declared. “It’s about learning the relevant skills that will enable you to become employers and create jobs. This is the kind of transformation we need to drive sustainable development in our country.”
Khumalo’s words were a call to action, urging the graduates not only to use the skills they have acquired to start their own businesses but also to become leaders who can employ and uplift others. He commended the graduates for their hard work and dedication, wishing them success in their future endeavors and encouraging them to put their training into practice.
In a show of solidarity, Minister Nxumalo, who served as the Guest of Honour, echoed Khumalo’s sentiments and stressed the importance of equipping students with the skills needed for the 21st-century job market.
“As we continue with our mandate to develop the nation, we must ensure that our most vulnerable citizens – those with disabilities, those from remote areas, and orphans – are not left behind,” Nxumalo remarked.
The graduates, having completed their courses in handcraft and cooperative management, are now equipped with the practical tools needed to thrive in the evolving job market.
Nxumalo challenged them to take the knowledge and skills gained from their studies and use them to make a meaningful impact on their communities. “Embrace the challenges, find your purpose, and contribute to shaping the lives of emaSwati,” he urged the graduates.
Both ministers acknowledged the essential role that institutions like NHTC and ECODEC play in fostering a skilled workforce capable of driving the country’s economic growth. By prioritizing education and skills training, they believe Eswatini can build a brighter future for its citizens, one that is not reliant solely on traditional employment but on self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship.
As these graduates take their next steps into the workforce, their achievement symbolizes the potential for transformation in Eswatini. The commitment to fostering a culture of skill-building and entrepreneurship is more crucial than ever. With the support of institutions like NHTC and ECODEC, and the vision of leaders like Khumalo and Nxumalo, Eswatini is poised to build a future where poverty is not the end, but a challenge to be overcome through innovation, determination, and empowerment.
The journey for these graduates is just beginning, but the message is clear: through education, hard work, and perseverance, they can shape a prosperous future, not just for themselves, but for the entire nation.
