BY NONCEDO SHABANGU
MBABANE- Two female soldiers from the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force are heading to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for specialised military and peacekeeping training.
This groundbreaking initiative falls under the “She Powers Africa” programme, a continental drive to place women at the forefront of leadership and capacity-building across all sectors.
The two officers, First Lieutenant LomaGugu Hlatshwako and Second Lieutenant Agape Simelane, will participate in an intensive training programme in Dubai designed to sharpen their leadership and technical military skills. Their journey is a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to empowering women to break barriers and excel in spaces historically dominated by men.
Global Alignment and Opportunity
Speaking during the send-off, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Defence and National Security, HRH Prince Sicalo, expressed deep appreciation to stakeholders for their unwavering support in capacitating Eswatini’s defence sector.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Honourable Minister and your staff for the support you have given to the Ministry of Defence and National Security in ensuring that we are well-capacitated and aligned with all parameters taking place around the world,” said Prince Sicalo.
He highlighted that this training marks one of Eswatini’s first military engagements of this nature in the UAE, a strategic move that not only strengthens the nation’s defence capabilities but also builds bridges of international cooperation.
“With this programme that we are offering to the UAE for our officers to go and get training, we really wish them well. It’s one of our first opportunities we are actually getting for training in the UAE. We do look forward to more such opportunities,” he added.
She Powers Africa: Women Leading Change
The Minister for ICT, Savannah Maziya, emphasised that this initiative forms part of a global push to put women at the frontlines of leadership. She explained that the programme focuses on women’s development and leadership, ensuring that women are not left behind in the areas of leading, capacity building, and security innovation.
The training will expose the officers to various disciplines, equipping them with critical skills that will enhance Eswatini’s military operations and peacekeeping efforts both locally and internationally.
A Beacon of Progress
Prince Sicalo applauded the programme and reaffirmed Eswatini’s commitment to building a well-trained, inclusive, and globally competitive defence force.
“We are also capacitating our military in making sure that we have the required skills and training levels in all areas that we are undertaking,” he concluded.
A New Chapter
As First Lt. Hlatshwako and Second Lt. Simelane board their flight to Dubai, they carry with them the hopes of a nation and the aspirations of many young Eswatini women. Their mission is more than training, it’s a powerful statement that Eswatini is investing in its women, its security, and its future.
