BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has issued a stirring call to young Africans to become the architects of a new African future, free from the lingering impacts of colonial-era systems that continue to impoverish the continent.
Speaking at the United World Colleges (UWC) Africa Week commemoration at Waterford KaMhlaba, the Prime Minister urged students to take pride in their African identity and become champions of sustainable development, innovation, and inclusive growth.
The event was held under the theme, “Unfolding the Blueprint: For Us, By Us.” The Prime Minister’s address reflected deeply on Africa’s potential and the responsibility of its youth to lead the charge towards meaningful transformation.
“Africa is not poor, but it is impoverished by systems put in place during the colonial era,” said the Prime Minister.
“Rise up and emancipate Africa from being damaged and impoverished by systems of the world.”
A Global Legacy of Eswatini Education
In a poignant reflection, the PM recounted a moment at the 29th UN Climate Change Conference in Azerbaijan, where he was seated next to his counterpart from Kazakhstan. Upon learning that Dlamini hails from Eswatini, the Kazakh official expressed heartfelt appreciation for the transformative education his son had received from Waterford Kamhlaba.
The Prime Minister used this anecdote to highlight the global impact of Eswatini’s institutions and to reinforce the responsibility placed upon young people privileged to study at schools like Waterford.
“For Us, By Us” – A Blueprint for Change
“You are the architects of the ‘For Us, By Us’ blueprint. Whether you tackle inequality, climate change, or innovation – remember, Africa’s future is not in the hands of distant saviours. It is in your hands,” Dlamini said.
He challenged students not to destroy the environment in the pursuit of progress, but to learn from the sustainable traditions of their forebears and protect the natural resources passed down through generations.
“The sun is shining really bright on Africa,” he said passionately, “so bright that not even the vilest of evil can dim it. Africa is rising again, and nothing can stop us now.”
Linking Youth to National Transformation
The Prime Minister went on to highlight Eswatini’s Grand Plan for National Transformation, proudly stating that the strategy was developed with input from Waterford Kamhlaba alumni and educators, many of whom now live and work abroad.
“Seize the opportunity and privilege of being students here to become agents of transformation,” he told the audience.
Eswatini: A Beacon of Stability
In closing, Dlamini praised UWC for its presence in Eswatini – a country, he said, known for peace, political stability, and home-grown governance.
“Eswatini is one of the few African countries that regained independence peacefully and has never known civil war,” he noted.
“We proudly have our own home-grown system of democracy – the Tinkhundla system – with the King as Head of State and an elected, vibrant Parliament that drives the political agenda and holds Government accountable.”
He added that Eswatini enjoys one of the highest voter turnouts in the region, if not the continent, and remains a non-aligned state that respects human rights and is welcoming to foreigners.
“There is no one-size-fits-all system. Each nation must shape its own path, just as Eswatini has done – with pride and success,” concluded the Prime Minister.
(Courtesy Pics)
