Inkhosikati officially opens International Conference

KWALUSENI – Inkhosikati LaMatsebula has officially opened the 2025 ESWERA–DEASA–KEAS–RSTP International Conference at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), Kwaluseni Campus, calling for stronger collaboration and innovation to transform education in the 21st century.

The three-day conference, which runs until Thursday, 23 October, is being held under the theme “Education in the 21st Century: Access, Affordability, Sustainability, Innovation and Relevance.” It has brought together educators, researchers, policymakers and technology experts from across the Southern African region to explore solutions to the evolving challenges facing education.

In her keynote address, Inkhosikati LaMatsebula described the gathering as both an honour and a privilege to attend, applauding the partnership between the Eswatini Educational Research Association (ESWERA), the Distance Education Association of Southern Africa (DEASA), the Knowledge, Education and Advisory Services (KEAS), and the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP).

“This conference is a significant occasion that celebrates the heritage of educational research while looking toward the future of innovation in Eswatini and across southern Africa,” she said.

She reflected on ESWERA’s long journey, noting that the association formerly known as SERA was established in the early 1980s as part of the BOLESWA vision. Over the years, she said, ESWERA has continued to play a vital role in strengthening the link between research, teaching and policymaking.

“Despite financial challenges, ESWERA has amplified local scholars’ voices, shaped educational dialogues and connected Eswatini to regional bodies such as the Southern Africa Educational Research Network,” she said.

Inkhosikati LaMatsebula reaffirmed government’s dedication to advancing education through research and digital transformation. She praised the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) for its leadership in driving innovation through the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP), which was established by an Act of Parliament in 2012.

“The RSTP stands as a testament to our dedication to science and technology,” she said, highlighting how it supports innovative start-ups such as Shunifu, Edusphere, and Groening Associates, which offer digital education platforms and research services.

She also pointed to several national milestones, including the establishment of the National Research Council (NRC) to coordinate and fund research, the Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (WISET) initiative to empower women in STEM, and the Young Academy of Sciences to nurture future scholars.

“These initiatives demonstrate Eswatini’s commitment to building a knowledge-driven and inclusive society,” she emphasised.

The patron also commended the Distance Education Association of Southern Africa (DEASA) for its leadership in promoting open and distance learning across the SADC Region. She said DEASA’s partnership with UNESWA’s Institute of Distance Education (IDE) continues to ensure that geography does not limit access to quality education.

“This partnership stands as a model for inclusive learning, proving that accessibility and affordability can go hand in hand,” she said.

Inkhosikati LaMatsebula stressed that access, affordability, sustainability, innovation and relevance must form the foundation of education reform.

“Every child, youth and adult deserves a place at the table of learning,” she said. “Education must not only be inclusive and affordable, but also sustainable and relevant to the needs of our economy and communities.”

She urged all stakeholders to embrace digital transformation, foster research mentorship and strengthen collaboration between government, academia and the private sector.

“When these imperatives converge, we transform society through education,” she declared.

Inkhosikati LaMatsebula then officially declared the 2025 ESWERA–DEASA–KEAS–RSTP International Conference open, quoting Nelson Mandela’s timeless words: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”