By InsideBiz Magazine Staff Reporter (Wenkosi Khumalo)

In a landmark move poised to revolutionize vocational education and training in the kingdom, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, and the Eswatini Higher Education Council (ESHEC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The Ministry works through the Directorate of Industrial and Vocational Training (DIVT).

The key objectives of the agreement are to create and approve academic curricula of professional qualifications in the vocational sub-sector, assist in aligning the output of training providers with real industry needs in the accreditation of TVET programmes, and monitor both newly established and existing training providers.

This MOU is aligned with ESHEC’s mandate which includes the development of and implementation of a quality assurance framework that governs universities, colleges, and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. ESHEC registers service providers and determines the admissibility of programmes, in other words the accreditation of learning programmes.

The MOU is further aligned with the expectations of ESHEC in the National Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Policy 2022 – 2027, which tasks ESHEC with establishing and operationalizing a quality assurance framework for TVET delivery.

The MoU outlines specific areas of cooperation, including:                    

• Development and Endorsement of Curricula: Crafting academic programs aligned with industry requirements.
• Quality Monitoring: Vigilant oversight of training providers to maintain high standards.
• Advisory Committees: Establishing expert panels to guide vocational training initiatives.
• Regional Benchmarking: Ensuring Eswatini’s training programs stay current with regional trends and demands.
• Resource Mobilization: Securing technical and financial resources to enhance skilled manpower in the sector.

This ground-breaking collaboration marks a significant step towards addressing the critical issues of youth unemployment and skills mismatch in the country. It is set to fortify the nation’s educational framework, with a sharp focus on aligning vocational training to the dynamic demands of the job market, propelling the socio-economic development of Eswatini.

“This agreement not only ensures transparency and accountability but also sets a clear path for our joint efforts to transform the vocational training landscape in Eswatini, addressing the critical issue of youth unemployment and empowering the next generation. It serves as a guiding light for our current and future collaborations, and as a reference point for all our endeavours to deliver better education outcomes and sustainable livelihoods,” stated Principal Secretary Makhosini Mndawe, who signed on behalf of the Ministry.

In response, ESHEC Board Chairperson Makhosazana Madondo highlighted the significance of the MoU signing as a precursor to future initiatives. “The signing of this MoU is just the beginning of our collaborative journey,” Madondo stated. “We share a broad vision that includes benchmarking, developing new programs, and more. It’s inspiring to see the Ministry, through the DIVT, proactively pursuing excellence and relevance in the TVET sector.”

A Comprehensive Framework for Cooperation

Dr Loretta Mkhonta, CEO of ESHEC, articulated the vision behind this collaboration, stating that the partnership marks a new era in vocational education in Eswatini.

“By working closely with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security through the DIVT, we are committed to creating a robust framework that addresses the skills mismatch and enhances the employability of our graduates,” she said.

Dr. Mkhonta emphasized that this initiative is a pivotal step towards aligning educational outcomes with industry needs, driving socio-economic development in the country.

Empowering Youth and Women

Among the intended outcomes of the partnership is the empowerment of emaSwati, particularly the youth, people with disabilities, and women, through skills development, income generation, and employment opportunities.

The empowerment of disadvantaged youth and women will complement efforts in the TVET sector. Targeted measures will address the barriers these groups face in acquiring skills and entering the formal labour market.

Reports indicate that the youth unemployment rate stands at a staggering 58.2%, as per the Integrated Labour Force Survey 2021. This statistic underscores the urgent need for interventions that can provide young people with marketable skills and pathways to sustainable livelihoods.

The partnership will focus on improving access to both formal and non-formal education, particularly in rural areas where many youths, women, and people with disability lack the necessary qualifications to enter the formal TVET system.

By improving access to basic training and informal learning opportunities, the collaboration aims to facilitate their entry into the labour market, thereby reducing unemployment and fostering economic independence.

Addressing Skills Mismatch and Unemployment

The 2021 National Skills Audit revealed a significant skills mismatch in Eswatini. Many university graduates find themselves unemployed because their qualifications do not align with industry requirements. The partnership between DIVT and ESHEC is designed to address these issues head-on by ensuring that the training provided is relevant to the needs of the economy.

“The skills audit highlighted the critical gaps in our education system. Our collaboration with the DIVT aims to bridge these gaps by developing curricula that are directly informed by industry needs and by ensuring that our training providers are equipped to deliver high-quality education,” Dr. Mkhonta emphasized.

Driving Socio-Economic Development

TVET is a vital component of human development and a key driver of a country’s investment climate. This partnership aims to improve the quality and relevance of vocational education through several strategic interventions.

These include the development of occupational standards, upgrading training equipment and materials, and training TVET service providers, especially personnel, in modern pedagogical techniques.

Furthermore, the partnership will promote on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and informal vocational training, thus ensuring that students gain practical experience that enhances their employability.

By fostering international capacity-building partnerships, the partnership aims to keep Eswatini’s vocational training at the forefront, and aligned with global best practice.

Putting Eswatini on the Map

By aligning vocational skills training with industry needs, the partnership aims to position Eswatini as a hub of skilled labour and innovation. This strategic alignment is crucial for attracting investment, particularly in sectors with high potential for job creation and export-led growth.

One of the initiatives that ESHEC will participate in, is the World Skills Programme, which is a global hub for skills excellence and development. This competition brings the youth, industries, and educators together to give youth the chance to compete, experience, and learn how to become the best in their skill of choice.

This competition is held internationally and regionally. ESHEC therefore aims to raise the profile and recognition of skilled people, especially students in Eswatini, and show how important skills are in achieving economic growth for the country and for individual personal success.

These initiatives align with Eswatini’s National Development Strategy (NDS) and the Strategic Roadmap 2019-2023, which emphasize the importance of a skilled and diverse workforce for socio-economic progress and poverty reduction.

A Future-Oriented Vision

Dr. Mkhonta underscored the importance of this partnership in the broader context of Eswatini’s development goals. “Our collaborative efforts are critical to understanding and addressing the skills needs of our economy. By aligning our education system with the demands of the job market, we are not only enhancing employability but also contributing to the overall development of our nation.”

As Eswatini strives to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and it’s Vision 2030, this partnership represents a significant step forward. By ensuring that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed for sustainable development, the initiative aligns with SDG 4 on Quality Education.

The MoU between the DIVT and ESHEC is more than a formal agreement. It is a monument of hope for emaSwati promising a future where skills match job opportunities, where education leads to empowerment, and where the socio-economic fabric of the nation is strengthened. This partnership is poised to transform Eswatini into a nation of skilled innovators and artisans, ready to compete on the global stage and drive forward its economic prosperity.