BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MANZINI— Southern Africa Nazarene University and Khuluma Eswatini today,17 November 2025, formalised a new partnership aimed at strengthening student employability, ahead of a career development seminar scheduled for Friday, December 21, 2025.
The agreement, signed at the SANU campus by Vice Chancellor Dr Faith Mlotsa-Mngomezulu and Khuluma Eswatini co founder and director Mandla Luphondvo, sets out collaborative efforts to equip tertiary students with practical skills required in today’s evolving job market.
Under the memorandum of understanding, the two institutions will run joint programmes focusing on CV development, interview preparation and direct exposure to industry expectations. Members of the SANU executive and invited guests witnessed the signing.
Speaking during the briefing, Luphondvo said the partnership responds to a growing gap between academic learning and the realities of modern recruitment. He noted that employers are increasingly favouring candidates who can demonstrate applied knowledge through case studies and real-time problem solving.
“Industries are no longer relying on textbook interviews,” he explained. “Recruitment now tests how students apply what they know. Employers want to see reasoning, adaptability and how someone responds when presented with a real scenario.”
He added that the seminar will include hands-on interview simulations designed to mirror current hiring trends, giving students a realistic sense of what to expect when stepping into the world of work.
SANU Vice Chancellor Dr Mlotsa-Mngomezulu welcomed the partnership, saying it comes at a critical time when a high number of graduates remain unemployed. She expressed confidence that the collaboration will help students transition from academic spaces into productive economic roles.
“We want to see our students making a meaningful impact in industry,” she said. “This partnership strengthens our efforts to produce graduates who are not only seeking jobs but also ready to create opportunities for others.”
The GradConnect programme, which forms part of the agreement, is expected to roll out training sessions, mentorship opportunities and professional development activities throughout the coming year.Khuluma Eswatini says the initiative reflects its commitment to preparing young people to compete in a rapidly shifting labour market, ensuring that students are not only knowledgeable but job ready and capable of navigating complex industry demands.
(Courtesy Pic)
