The Ligcabho LemaSwati Sports Emporium at the University of Eswatini’s Kwaluseni Campus was transformed into a scene of mystery and grandeur on December 4, 2025, as the UNESWA Endowment Fund successfully hosted the 3rd Annual Alumni Gala Dinner under the captivating theme ‘Masquerade Ball – A Night in Disguise’.
More than 200 elegantly masked alumni, corporate partners, government dignitaries, university leadership, staff and friends of UNESWA gathered to celebrate the institution’s legacy while pledging renewed financial and moral support to the university’s vision to become a sustainable public university impacting society and improving lives.
The evening began with a stunning red-carpet reception, followed by an exquisitely choreographed programme that featured a stirring musical performance by the renowned Judah, an address by the guest of honour, representing the prime minister, the minister for Education and Training, an extended networking session and a photo shoot that lived up to the Emvasi Alumni Club’s mantra to ‘Connect, Empower and Elevate’.
In his opening address, the Vice Chancellor of UNESWA, Professor Justice Thwala, expressed profound gratitude to all in attendance. “We really appreciate you making time to support this noble event that is about empowering the liSwati child to have an opportunity to access higher education and a chance at a better future,” the vice chancellor said, reminding the audience that the Endowment Fund, established by Notarial Deed of Trust No. 42 of 2004, exists for one purpose: “To mobilise resources, partnerships and long-term investments for the sustainable development of the University of Eswatini.”
The Minister for Education and Training, Minister Owen Nxumalo delivering the keynote address, described the gathering as more than a social occasion. The Minister said: “as we gather here tonight to celebrate in style beneath our masks, we also reaffirm our collective commitment to this national university, an institution that has, for over four decades, been the cornerstone of higher education and human capital development in the Kingdom of Eswatini.”
The minister highlighted government’s continued prioritisation of the education sector through increased budgetary allocations and scholarship support, while strongly endorsing diversified funding models.
“That is why we wholeheartedly endorse and encourage the growth of the UNESWA Endowment Fund and the vibrant Emvasi Alumni Club.
These initiatives represent global best practice and perfectly complement government support,” Minister Nxumalo said. The Chief Executive Officer of the UNESWA Endowment Fund, Vulindlela Simelane, took the stage to introduce the chairperson of the Board of Trustees. In a high-energy address, the CEO reminded the audience of the successful launch of the Emvasi Alumni Club on October 16, 2025 and outlined an ambitious pipeline of engagement activities designed to harness alumni energy for the university’s long-term financial sustainability. “Tonight’s gala dinner is only the beginning,” Simelane declared. “Following the launch of the Emvasi Alumni Club, we have lined-up an exciting succession of initiatives that will keep alumni connected and actively engaging with the university.
‘‘These include crowdfunding campaigns, flexible membership subscriptions, sporting and gym activities at the Sports Emporium, an annual alumni sports tournament, a flagship music festival, prestigious Alumni Awards and Sustainable Investing Awards and a vibrant Family fun day.”
The CEO further revealed that a comprehensive business plan for the full commercialisation of the gym and sporting facilities has been finalised and submitted to university management for approval, marking a pivotal step towards sustainable revenue-generation through alumni-focused enterprises.
Addressing alumni present, the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the UNESWA Endowment Fund, Dr Nozizwe Mulela, said: “Your continued support has been integral. You are the backbone of this country’s economic development.” Dr Mulela reaffirmed the Board’s full commitment to the new five-year strategic plan, which is grounded in extensive market research and rigorous due diligence. “These are intentional, clear-eyed moves to position the Endowment Fund to become financially independent, thereby strengthening UNESWA’s financial future for generations to come. UNESWA remains the sole beneficiary of everything we do,” Dr Mulela emphasised.
Closing on a note of unity and optimism, Dr Mulela declared: “I remain confident that if we continue to work together, united in purpose, in effort and in determination, we will be able to turn UNESWA’s fortunes around.”
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