BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – South Africa Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, says stronger collaboration between Eswatini and South Africa in science could unlock new innovation and create job opportunities for young people.
He said friendly competition between students of the two countries would help motivate them to think creatively and develop solutions to real-life challenges.
Prof. Nzimande made the remarks during a dinner held on June 8, 2026, hosted by the Minister of Information, Communications and Technology as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations in science and technology.
The South African Minister is in Eswatini for the official launch of National Science Month. His visit is aimed at deepening cooperation in education, science and innovation between the two neighbouring countries.
Earlier in the day, Prof. Nzimande toured the Royal Science and Technology Park at Nokwane, where he was briefed by Madoda Mdziniso on the facility’s work and its alignment with His Majesty King Mswati III’s vision of using science and innovation to drive national development.
At the dinner, Minister of Information, Communications and Technology Savannah Maziya highlighted the importance of collaboration in science, thanking Prof. Nzimande for his visit and commitment to strengthening ties between Eswatini and South Africa.
Prof. Nzimande praised Eswatini’s natural beauty and the government’s efforts to invest in science and technology. He said he was impressed by the ideas shown by young innovators, noting that stronger investment could significantly boost development in the region.
Upon arrival on Sunday he was officially received by government delegates. During his visit, University of Eswatini (UNESWA) Kwaluseni Campus where he delivered a keynote address at the launch of National Science Month, as well as the Private and Cabinet Office in Mbabane where he paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini.
The visit is seen as a step forward in strengthening regional cooperation, with both countries pledging to work together to nurture skills, research and innovation for development.
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