BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – MTN Eswatini, in collaboration with Ubombo Sugar Company, donated science kits worth E252 000 to 20 primary schools in the rural areas of Eswatini’s four regions.
The event took place on March 14, 2025 at the Ministry of Education and Training Conference Room in Mbabane. MTN Eswatini contributed E168 000 towards the initiative, while Ubombo Sugar Limited contributed the remaining E84 000.
In the event, Minister of Education and Training was represented by his Principal Secretary (PS) Bheki Gama. Also present during the event were MTN Eswatini CEO Wandile Mtshali, Ubombo Sugar Limited Head of Corporate Affairs Leonard Ndzimandze, officials from the Education Ministry, and the head teachers from the receiving schools. Senior Science Inspector Phumlile Dlamini was the programme director of the event. Below is a list of the schools that received the science kits:
| HHOHHO | LUBOMBO | MANZINI | SHISELWENI |
| Lufafa | Bhadlane | Endlaleni | Ezindwendweni |
| KaSiko | Mbandzamane | Magojela | Bethany |
| Zwide | Mahhoshe | Tholulwazi | Mahlandle |
| Beakoncorp | Luhlanyeni | Ebugeleni | Mashobeni South |
| Mangweni | Dlakadla | Damaseko | KaMzila |
MTN CEO Mtshali said their goal was to ignite curiosity and foster a love for science among pupils from an early age. “As innovators in the technology sector, we believe we are sowing seed for future leaders of this industry. We are inspired by our partner, Ubombo Sugar, a player in the sugar industry, where science is integral, to share this forward-thinking vision. Thank you Ubombo Sugar. Importance of Science Education,” Mtshali said.
According to Mtshali, these kits are designed to provide hands-on learning experiences, making science fun and interactive. The aim is to enhance the educational experience for young pupils by making these materials more engaging and appealing. “We believe that these resources will inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators,” he said.
At MTN we, Mtshali said they were committed to supporting education and empowering young learners. “This initiative is part of our broader efforts to contribute to the community and invest in the future of our children. We are excited to see the positive impact these Science Kits will have on pupils and teachers alike. Thank you once again to the Ministry of Education and Ubombo Sugar for this partnership. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of many young learners,” he said.
Ndzimandze, on the other hand, stated that when MTN approached them for the partnership. He said these education materials would go a long in helping the learners to take interest in science lessons. Ndzimandze said they had a long-standing relationship with the Ministry of Education and Training, as the company had three schools in Big Bend, including Sisekelo and U-Tech High Schools. Others are Ubombo Primary School, a pre-primary school, and a college.
Ndzimandze said they launched an initiative last year under the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). He said they narrowed their initiative down to science because, as a manufacturing company that relied more on science, they were worried by the fact that a few learners were taking interest in the STEM subjects. He said when MTN approached them in supporting the primary schools in rural areas, they took the initiative and decided to move along with it.
He said life was driven by science. Therefore, they had to generate an interest in science to the young learners so that they do not lose interest in such important subjects when they reached high school.
