MBABANE – The Regional Excellence Development Initiative (REDI) has unveiled a strong line-up of regional and local experts set to headline Eswatini’s inaugural Convention of Company Secretaries.
The convention is aimed at strengthening corporate governance and empowering organisations.
The two-day convention will be held from June 24 to 25, 2026 at Pigg’s Peak Hotel under the theme: ‘Company Secretaries Enhancing Governance, Empowering Corporates.’
A company secretary (or corporate secretary) is a senior corporate officer responsible for ensuring that an organisation complies with standard legal, regulatory and statutory requirements.
They act as the vital bridge between the Board of Directors, shareholders and management, playing a critical role in corporate governance.
According to information released by the organisers, the convention is expected to bring together company secretaries, legal advisors, compliance managers, Board secretaries and chartered secretaries from across the country and the region.
REDI has assembled a diverse panel of speakers with expertise in corporate governance, compliance, ethics, leadership and emerging technologies, reflecting the growing importance of governance professionals in both the public and private sectors.
Among the headline speakers is Trevor Sithole, Chairperson of Company Secretaries South Africa and Corporate Director at First Corporate Secretaries South Africa. Sithole is expected to share regional insights on the evolving role of company secretaries and the increasing importance of governance in modern corporations.
The convention will also feature Dr Noziwe Mulela, Managing Director of Eswatini Bank and former Company Secretary at Standard Bank. Her participation is expected to provide perspectives on governance within the banking and financial services sector, particularly as institutions face heightened regulatory scrutiny and changing stakeholder expectations.
Another key speaker is Advocate Sifiso Nyoni, former Head of Legal and Board Secretariat at Brand SA Director and Sikanje Governance and Corporate Secretaries South Africa. Nyoni is expected to tackle governance trends and boardroom compliance issues affecting organisations in the region.
The line-up also includes Nonhlanhla Shongwe, Company Secretary at Tibiyo Taka Ngwane and former Board Chairperson of Eswatini Railways. Shongwe brings extensive experience in corporate leadership and governance within strategic national institutions.
REDI has also included discussions on technology and innovation through Professor SS Motsa, Coordinator at the Artificial Intelligence Academy at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA).
His presentation is expected to explore the growing influence of artificial intelligence on governance, compliance and corporate operations.
Ethics and responsible leadership are also expected to form part of the discussions through Thembayena Dlamini, an ethics and human rights scholar who is also REDI’s Chief Operations Officer. Organisers indicated that ethical leadership remains central to strengthening institutions and improving accountability.
Dr Sikhomba Gumbi, Programme Convenor, Governance Expert and REDI Chief Executive, is also among the featured speakers. Gumbi has been instrumental in organising the convention and promoting governance development initiatives in Eswatini.
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