BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE – The International Confederation of Principals (ICP) has formally confirmed the election of Ka-Boyce High School Principal, Welcome Mhlanga, as General Representative on its Executive Committee, a development he says places Eswatini and Africa in good standing on the international education leadership platform.
Mhlanga’s appointment was announced by the Ministry of Education and Training Principal Secretary, Naniki Mnisi, during the commemoration of Teachers’ Day in Eswatini.
In remarks following the announcement, Mhlanga expressed happiness at the appointment, describing it as a significant achievement for both the country and the African continent.
“I am very happy with the appointment. It puts well the country and Africa as a whole in good standing,” he said.
Mhlanga explained that he was the only African among those nominated for the position, with other representatives coming from the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania, alongside the ICP Executive Secretary from Argentina.
His election followed an executive and council meeting held in Auckland, New Zealand, where members considered reports, conducted the election and later undertook a field trip to local schools.
Mhlanga said he was nominated by Eswatini and seconded by Kenya, before contesting the position against a professor from China.
“I won the contest and that means effective January 2027, I will be serving as General Representative of the ICP,” he said.
According to a confirmation letter dated September 25, 2026, and signed by ICP Executive Secretary Sofia Hughes, Mhlanga’s election has been formally confirmed. His initial term will run from January 1 to December 31, 2027, with the possibility of renewal for two further two-year terms, in accordance with the organisation’s Constitution and By-Laws.
In his new role, Mhlanga will be expected to monitor, guide and manage ICP governance, including its Constitution, policies and procedures. He will also provide an annual report to the ICP Council on governance and compliance, support the ICP President, Executive Secretary and regional representatives, and advise the Executive Committee on governance matters.
The appointment follows Mhlanga’s earlier selection as Africa’s representative on the ICP Executive Committee in Kenya in 2024. He said his nomination at the time was made by Kenya and seconded by Ghana.
Mhlanga further explained that his election to the General Representative position means a new candidate will have to take over his previous African representative position.
He noted that this development would result in two representatives from Africa serving on the executive, something he said had never happened in the organisation’s history.
The development offers Eswatini an opportunity to contribute to international discussions on school leadership and the governance of an organisation that supports principals and school leaders’ associations around the world.
Mhlanga expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he received from the Ministry of Education and Training, particularly Principal Secretary Naniki Mnisi, whom he thanked for the support extended to him.
His election also recognises his continued involvement in the ICP’s leadership structures, having represented Africa on the executive since his appointment in 2024.
As he prepares to assume his new responsibilities in January 2027, Mhlanga will contribute to the organisation’s governance work while supporting its broader mission of strengthening school leadership and principals’ associations internationally.
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