Matsapha – Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, has appealed to Macmillan Education Eswatini for continued support of creative and strategic foresight in education.
Speaking on Monday during his visitation of the publishing company in Matsapha, Manhusha House, Nxumalo hailed Macmillan’s long-standing partnership in the education sector. He said the ministry and Macmillan’s efforts Eswatini’s was aligned. Nxumalo also said he looks towards the future with a renewed courage.
Macmillan enjoys decades of service in Eswatini. Macmillan’s engagement in Eswatini dates back to 1978, when all primary school textbooks used in the country were imported from South Africa. The materials then reflected the apartheid-era Bantu Education system, which was foreign to Eswatini’s values and aspirations.
In 1974, the government took a decision to change this, leading to the development of the country’s own curriculum and textbooks. This culminated in the establishment of the National Curriculum Centre (NCC) in Manzini, which is a cornerstone of educational transformation in the country. Macmillan played a part in this transformation and continues to do so today.
Nxumalo said Macmillan’s historical contributions has been integral to the development of the country’s education system. He further expressed optimism that Macmillan will remain a key partner, also contributing towards Competency-Based Education (CBE).
“The future of this nation is great, especially as we work together to deliver the most prized asset that any nation can possess – a well-educated and empowered generation,” he said.
Nxumalo said the partnership was crucial for producing a skilled workforce and supporting local entrepreneurs by providing quality educational materials.
Nxumalo encouraged Macmillan Education Eswatini to continue supporting education through creativity and strategic foresight, expressing the ministry’s appreciation for the company’s “unwavering support, its investment in Eswatini and its dedication to the development of the nation.”
The minister further stated that the World Bank and USAID have commended this partnership as a model of public-private partnership for developing nations.
This model merges public policy objectives with private sector efficiency, transparency, and sustainability.
Macmillan Eswatini is the result of a public-private partnership model established under the leadership of the late King Sobhuza II. This included the instrumental relocation of Macmillan’s Southern Africa headquarters from Johannesburg to Matsapha, and establishing the joint venture company Macmillan Swaziland National Publishing Company (MSNP).
Nxumalo noted that over the years, the partnership has not only produced textbooks but has also built an entire ecosystem of educational publishing in Eswatini. All primary school textbooks used today are written and developed by Eswatini’s own curriculum designers.
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