MBABANE – The Education, Training and Skills Development Committee has been formally decommissioned after completing its mandate to examine challenges facing Eswatini’s education and training system and propose reforms.
Minister for Education and Training Owen Nxumalo, officially brought the committee’s work to an end today, after receiving its final report, nearly two years after the committee was commissioned in 2024.
The minister said the committee had undertaken a broad examination of the education system, covering sectors from Early Childhood Care and Education, through basic education, TVET, higher education and lifelong learning.
The assignment also involved national consultations and engagement with stakeholders from different sectors.
The minister commended the committee for what was described as professionalism, integrity, diligence and patriotism in carrying out its responsibilities.
He went on to state that the committee’s work resulted in a report that could serve as the blueprint for transforming the country’s education and training system.
Unlike a report that simply identifies problems and makes recommendations, the Minister highlighted that the committee had also developed an operational plan containing practical actions, implementation timelines, responsibilities and estimated costs.
The plan, according to the minister, would help assist government in monitoring progress, evaluating performance and ensuring that recommendations are implemented systematically.
Nxumalo further explained that the report was informed by contributions from a wide range of stakeholders, including Members of Parliament, government ministries, educational institutions, teachers, tertiary institutions, the private sector, civil society, development partners, traditional leaders, parents, learners and students.
The minister mentioned that these contributions ensured that the report reflected the voices and expectations of the nation.
The committee’s mandate included reviewing education quality assurance, strengthening TVET, promoting ICT and Artificial Intelligence in education, developing sustainable financing models, improving governance and monitoring systems, and strengthening curriculum relevance.
He further stated that the next phase would require collaboration, with the report set to be taken to Cabinet, Parliament and development partners.
In formally decommissioning the committee, the minister thanked its members for their service and said their work would contribute to the development of education and human capital in Eswatini.
“Together, we can build an education and training system that is responsive, inclusive, innovative and capable of preparing emaSwati for the opportunities and challenges of the twenty-first century,” Nxumalo said.
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