BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE
MBABANE – What began as a classroom dream has become a life changing opportunity for 16 learners and four correctional officers after Vulamasango School became the first in Eswatini to receive a fully equipped Mobile Phone Repair Laboratory, giving graduates practical skills, business toolkits and renewed hope for a brighter future.
For many of the graduates, Wednesday’s ceremony was about far more than certificates and speeches. It marked the beginning of a new chapter one where they can leave with a marketable skill, start their own businesses and provide for their families through honest work.
The state of the art Mobile Phone Repair Laboratory was officially handed over by Principal Secretary in the Ministry of ICT, Prince Mshishimba, representing ICT Minister Honourable Savannah Maziya. The facility was launched alongside an upgraded ICT Training Laboratory during a ceremony attended by Acting Commissioner General Luke Malindzisa, senior officials from His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS), Government representatives and development partners.
The event also celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of mobile phone repair trainees, comprising 16 learners and four correctional officers. Each graduate received a certificate and a mobile phone repair start up toolkit, equipping them with the tools needed to begin earning a living after completing their rehabilitation programmes.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Sabusiswa Mbingo said the training had restored hope and confidence.
“When we leave this coming November, we will not be leaving empty handed. We are leaving with skills that will help us repair phones, start businesses and earn an honest living,” Mbingo said.
She thanked the Ministries of ICT and Justice and Constitutional Affairs, HMCS, ESCCOM and development partners for believing in their potential and investing in their future.
Welcoming guests, Vulamasango School Principal, Assistant Superintendent Ngabisa Dlamini, expressed gratitude to the Ministries of ICT and Justice and Constitutional Affairs, together with development partners including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO) and the Coordinating Assembly of Non-Governmental Organisations (CANGO), for supporting education, rehabilitation and skills development.
Acting Commissioner General Luke Malindzisa commended ESCCOM for establishing both laboratories and acknowledged earlier support from World Vision and Natie Kirsh, whose contributions helped establish the school’s first computer laboratory. He noted that ESCCOM has now upgraded the facility with 25 computers, two laptops, two projectors and classroom furniture, creating a modern learning environment for learners.
Speaking on behalf of the Acting ESCCOM Chief Executive Officer, Mbongeni Mtshali said the project was funded through the Universal Access and Service Fund, established under the Electronic Communications Act to ensure all emaSwati have access to digital opportunities.
He said universal access today goes beyond internet connectivity and includes equipping people with practical digital skills that enable them to participate meaningfully in the digital economy through employment and entrepreneurship.
Representing the ICT Minister, Prince Mshishimba described the laboratories as symbols of hope, opportunity and second chances. He said Government remains committed to creating practical pathways to self reliance through digital literacy, mobile phone repair and entrepreneurship training.
Congratulating the graduates, he encouraged them to use their newly acquired skills and toolkits to establish sustainable businesses, support their families and make positive contributions to their communities after reintegration.
He added that Government hopes to replicate the programme through community iHubs across Eswatini so that unemployed and out of school youth can also benefit from mobile phone repair and entrepreneurship training.
As the graduates proudly held their certificates and toolkits, the atmosphere reflected more than the launch of a new laboratory. It celebrated renewed confidence, restored dignity and the belief that with the right skills and support, lives can be transformed and brighter futures built—one repaired phone and one successful business at a time.
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