BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
NHLANGANO – Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo has challenged 159 newly qualified teachers from Ngwane Teachers College to look beyond textbooks and examinations and become educators who inspire confidence, uncover talent and positively shape the lives of pupils.
Nxumalo delivered the message during the college’s 40th Graduation Ceremony held on September 15, 2026, where the graduates officially completed their training in different teaching disciplines.
The ceremony was graced by Their Majesties, alongside senior government officials, education leaders, lecturers, parents and families, adding significance to what the Minister described as the beginning of a far greater responsibility for the graduates.
Nxumalo told the new teachers that their influence in the classroom would extend far beyond delivering lessons, as they would be entrusted with young people during some of the most important stages of their development.
“Be patient with them. Listen to them. Encourage them and, wherever possible, help them to believe in themselves,” Nxumalo said.
The 159 graduates completed studies in Sciences, Information and Communication Technology and Mathematics, Languages, Social Studies and Applied Sciences, including Consumer Science and Agriculture.
Nxumalo stressed that while academic knowledge remained important, the true impact of a teacher could often be measured through the confidence, direction and opportunities they help create for pupils.
“A good teacher does more than deliver a lesson. A good teacher can inspire confidence, discover talent and change the direction of a young person’s life,” he said.
He urged the graduates not to define success only by examination results or completing the curriculum, but also by the difference they make in the lives of the children they teach.
According to Nxumalo, teachers have the ability to identify potential that may otherwise go unnoticed and can play a decisive role in helping pupils believe in their own abilities.
He said the graduates would therefore be expected to enter the profession with patience, professionalism, integrity and humility.
Nxumalo further encouraged them to remain lifelong learners, saying graduation should not mark the end of their own learning journey.
“Carry your qualification with pride, but carry your responsibility with even greater humility,” he said.
The Minister also acknowledged the persistence and determination that had carried the graduates through their training, urging them to take the same commitment into schools and communities.
He reminded them that teaching would bring both challenges and opportunities, but their attitude and commitment would determine the impact they make on future generations.
Nxumalo also paid tribute to lecturers and staff at Ngwane Teachers College for preparing the graduates for the demands of the teaching profession.
The institution, established and officially opened in 1983, has over the years produced thousands of teachers who have gone on to serve communities across Eswatini.
Parents and families were also praised for the role they played in supporting the graduates throughout their studies.
“This is also your day. Your encouragement, sacrifices and support have helped make this achievement possible,” Nxumalo said.
The Minister said the presence of Their Majesties at the graduation reflected the importance attached to education and human capital development in the Kingdom.
He also congratulated Their Majesties on significant milestones celebrated in 2026, including the 40th anniversary of His Majesty King Mswati III’s reign and the King’s 58th birthday.
Nxumalo further wished His Majesty success in his regional responsibilities as Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
However, his strongest message of the day remained directed at the 159 graduates who are now preparing to move from lecture halls into classrooms.
For Nxumalo, the certificates presented at the ceremony represented far more than academic achievement.
They represented a responsibility to guide young people, nurture their confidence, recognise their potential and help shape the future of the country.
His message to the graduates was clear: teacher training may have ended, but the real work begins when they enter the classroom and begin influencing the lives of pupils entrusted to their care.
