Manzini – Paul Nkambule, CEO of Ox Purple Consultancy, is leading a movement to reshape how Emaswati approach their careers with the upcoming Think Beyond Employment Conference 2025. The event is scheduled for Saturday, November 8, at The George Hotel in Manzini from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
The conference will host speakers including Ms Yeyise, Ms Hloni Matsebula, Mr Mngadi, Ms Zanele, Mr Phila, Rev Senzo Hlatjwayo, Pastor Clement, and Mr Mtera. Themed Start to Think Beyond Employment Your Skills Your Brand and Your Future, it aims to equip employees, graduates, and professionals with practical tools to move from job-dependence to creating value, building financial literacy, and ensuring long-term career sustainability.
Adekunle Owolabi, Digital Editor and Head of Digital at the Independent Newspaper, spoke to Nkambule about the conference and its objectives.
Q: What inspired you to organize the Think Beyond Employment Conference 2025, and what do you hope attendees will gain from it?
I was deeply inspired by His Majesty King Mswati III’s words during this year’s Opening of Parliament and Good Friday Sermon, where he emphasized the need for us to reform and transform Eswatini into a first-world nation. Those words ignited something powerful within me — a realization that national transformation begins with personal transformation. I saw clearly that to build a thriving Eswatini, we must start by transforming the mindset of our people, especially employees and graduates. Many are educated, skilled, and talented, but they remain confined within the traditional idea of employment. True empowerment happens when we shift from dependency to productivity, from waiting for opportunities to creating them. Through this conference, I hope attendees walk away with a renewed sense of self-leadership, the courage to innovate, and the wisdom to create value that sustains not just themselves but their communities as well. After time, the President of USA forced me to start this initiative through the Executive Orders for us as Emaswati to THINK solutions more so that we can solve most of the problems affecting us.
Q: How does the conference aim to shift mindsets from traditional employment to value creation and career sustainability?
The conference has been carefully designed to challenge conventional thinking. It will unpack the five key pillars of transformation: Financial Literacy, Personal Branding and Self-Development, Entrepreneurship, Discipline and Integrity, and Self-Leadership. Through these, we are equipping participants to see beyond their job titles and cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit even within employment. We want attendees to understand that career sustainability is built on continuous growth managing your finances wisely, nurturing your reputation, staying disciplined, and leading yourself with purpose. The sessions will help people not just survive employment but thrive within and beyond it.
Q: Could you explain the unique offerings of the Silver and Platinum ticket options for those still interested in attending?
Absolutely. The Silver Ticket is ideal for individuals who want the full conference experience with access to all sessions, networking opportunities, and the main empowerment resources. The Platinum Ticket takes the experience a step further. It offers exclusive front-row seating, personalized networking with speakers, access to post-event mentorship sessions, and a special appreciation pack as a symbolic reminder of the transformation journey that begins at the conference. These premium packages are not just about comfort; they are about connection, visibility, and deeper engagement.
Q: With Gold tickets sold out, what advice would you give to participants to make the most of the remaining ticket options?
My advice is simple. Hurry. The remaining Silver and Platinum tickets are limited. If you are serious about personal and professional growth, secure your spot now before they are gone. Every ticket is an investment not just in attending an event, but in redefining your mindset, career, and financial future. Do not wait for opportunity; position yourself where opportunity is created.
Q: How do you envision the conference contributing to professional growth, financial literacy, and long-term career planning for attendees?
This conference will be a turning point for many. Attendees will discover how to align their personal values with their career goals, manage money more intelligently, and start planning for the 3Rs Retrenchment, Resignation, and Retirement. Instead of fearing uncertainty, they will learn how to prepare for it. They will leave with practical tools and strategies for saving, investing, and building sustainable income streams. Ultimately, this experience will help participants unlock their leadership potential, sharpen their decision-making, and start creating employment rather than just seeking it.
Q: Are there any particular sessions, speakers, or activities that you are most excited about and would like to highlight?
Yes. I am especially looking forward to our Guest of Honour, Rev Senzo Hlatjwayo, who will deliver a keynote on the Importance of Thinking Beyond Employment. His message will set the tone for the entire day. Then, Mr Mtera Thwala will unpack the realities of Financial Literacy and Investment, while Phila Dlamini will explore the power of Personal Branding and how to build influence and value in any industry. Pastor Clement Dlamini will challenge us with a thought-provoking talk on Integrity in the Workplace reminding us why stealing from your boss or misusing company time kills both trust and destiny.
We will also have a dynamic panel discussion on Early Retirement, Self-Development, and Entrepreneurship where young professionals will share real-life experiences on navigating the modern economy. It is a full-circle moment of inspiration and strategy.
Q: Beyond the event itself, what broader goals or initiatives is Ox Purple Consultancy pursuing in empowering employees and youth?
Ox Purple Consultancy’s mission goes far beyond hosting events. It is about building a culture of excellence and leadership across the kingdom. We are continuously running mentorship programs, financial literacy campaigns, and leadership trainings to empower both youth and professionals. Our long-term vision is to see an Eswatini where employees do not only depend on salaries, but also build personal brands, develop side ventures, and create community impact wherever they are. Through partnerships with schools, companies, and organizations, we aim to keep spreading this transformation inner circle across every region.
Q: How can attendees continue applying the insights and skills gained from the conference after the event?
We are not ending the journey at the conference. It is just the beginning. Attendees will be encouraged to join Ox Purple’s post-conference information sharing webinars, where they will receive ongoing workshops, support, resources, and guidance. They will be connected to trainers, consultants, coaches, mentors, and peer networks that keep them accountable and inspired. The challenge is not just to learn but to apply, and that is exactly what our follow-up programs will help them do. Transformation happens over time, through practice, reflection, and community support, and we are building the systems to make that happen.
Tickets are available via MojaTicket or mobile money using 76725179, with Silver at E300, Gold at E500 sold out, and Platinum at E800 offering a VIP experience including front-row seating, meals, certificates and personal retreat (planning for 2026 goal setting).
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