BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka has issued a bold challenge to the newly appointed board of the National Maize Corporation (NMC): to lead Eswatini toward self-sufficiency in maize and beans production.
The directive came during the board’s commissioning ceremony held on Friday, December 13, 2024.
The board, appointed for a three-year term, has been entrusted with transforming Eswatini’s agricultural landscape by reducing reliance on imports and fostering food sovereignty.
In his remarks, Minister Tshawuka outlined the pressing need for Eswatini to achieve food independence. “I challenge you to uphold the Ministry’s values and, as a collective, deliver exceptional service to Emaswati. Let us work together to achieve food sovereignty and save the funds we currently spend on importing maize and beans,” Tshawuka said.
He emphasized the Ministry’s guiding principles, encapsulated in the acronym SITILE, which the board is expected to embody in its operations:
• S – Service Excellence: Delivering swift, customer-focused service.
• I – Innovation: Leveraging cutting-edge ideas and technology to enhance productivity.
• T – Transparency: Ensuring openness and accountability to stakeholders.
• I – Integrity: Upholding high moral standards.
• L – Loyalty: Demonstrating unwavering commitment to the Head of State and government.
• E – Effectiveness: Striving for precise and excellent outcomes from the outset.
The new board comprises a diverse group of individuals committed to the task ahead:
• Mr. Patrick Myeni – Chairman
• Mr. Skakadza Matsebula
• Ms. Faith Motsa
• Ms. Nokwazi Mamba Hlophe
• Mr. Nkosinathi Mavimbela
• Mr. Walter Matsebula
• Mrs. Dumisile Ngwenya
• Mr. Mduduzi Magongo
Chairman Patrick Myeni assured the nation of the board’s dedication to fulfilling its mandate. He urged his fellow board members to prioritize immediate action and pledged to evaluate progress periodically rather than waiting until the end of their tenure.
“The nation is looking to us to deliver on this critical mandate. Let us ensure that Eswatini can be proud of the work we achieve together,” Myeni said.
Acknowledging the contributions of their predecessors, Myeni expressed a commitment to drawing on their experience and expertise as needed. “We will reach out for advice when necessary. Their insights will be invaluable in ensuring continuity and building on past achievements,” he added.
The Minister and board members alike are optimistic about the impact this new leadership will have on Eswatini’s agriculture sector. The vision for food sufficiency not only aims to secure the nation’s food supply but also to reduce dependence on costly imports and invest in local farming capabilities.
“Together, let’s make food sovereignty a reality,” Minister Tshawuka concluded.
With a clear roadmap and a dedicated team, the NMC board’s journey toward achieving food sufficiency for Eswatini begins now. The next three years will undoubtedly be pivotal in shaping the country’s agricultural future.
