Mbabane, 25 September 2025 – The Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development has celebrated the graduation of 87 students from its Women and Development Unit, with Minister S’khumbuzo Dlamini urging graduates to transform their skills into sustainable livelihoods.
Minister Dlamini said, “You have chosen to invest in yourselves and acquire skills that are not only highly recognized but are also essential for creating sustainable livelihoods.” The programme, established in 1978, has empowered over 10,000 graduates, providing training that contributes to poverty reduction and education, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Minister explained that the unit originally focused on empowering women whose partners worked in the mines. “While that history is important, I am proud to say that such has evolved with contemporary socio-economic rights. It is now a symbol of social inclusion, open to both men, women and the youth.” He encouraged men to follow the example of male graduates and pursue skills traditionally seen as female-dominated, including fashion and design, food processing, and hospitality.
Addressing the graduates directly, Minister Dlamini said, “This is not the end of your education, but the beginning of your journey as entrepreneurs. Your certificates are not just pieces of paper; they are keys to a future you will build for yourselves. The road ahead will be challenging. You will face setbacks and failures, but you must be resilient. Think beyond finding a job—go out and create jobs. Be aggressive and innovative in the business world. Start small, but dream big.”
Graduates were reminded that Community Development Officers are available to support them and were encouraged to collaborate, form groups, and explore funding opportunities through the Regional Development Fund and other partners.
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