BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE— Bongekile Matsenjwa has completed the prestigious Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program at University of California, Davis, where she studied Natural Resources, Sustainability and Environmental Policy, capping a year of intensive training, global exposure and professional growth in the United States.
Matsenjwa left the country in September last year for the fully funded fellowship, a programme designed to build leadership and technical capacity among mid career professionals. She has now returned equipped with new skills, international networks and a renewed sense of purpose.
Speaking after completing the programme, Matsenjwa described the experience as transformative.
“The Humphrey Fellowship programme has been absolutely amazing. It has increased my ability and confidence in skills I acquired through the experience, technical, professional, personal, social, English proficiency and leadership,” she said.
She said the exposure sharpened her work in the oil and gas sector and opened doors to global collaboration.
“My experience has helped me grow as a professional through a global platform. I developed relationships, collaborations and partnerships with American professionals and other networks,” she added.
The fellowship places participants in leading institutions across the United States, combining academic study with professional development and practical engagement. At UC Davis, Matsenjwa focused on sustainability and environmental policy, areas critical to future development.
Her achievement stands as a clear signal to young people that global opportunities are within reach. Matsenjwa’s journey reflects what is possible when preparation meets opportunity. Her message is direct, young emaSwati, girl or boy, can compete, can learn and can return home ready to contribute.
As she steps back into the local space, attention now turns to how her skills and networks will translate into impact, particularly in sectors linked to energy, environment and sustainable development.
Her story adds to a growing list of professionals using international platforms to build knowledge and bring it back home, reinforcing the value of education, discipline and ambition.
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(Courtesy Pic)
