Mbabane – Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, has appointed a six-member Implementation Committee to steer the rollout of sweeping reforms at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA).
The team has been tasked with executing recommendations from the recently concluded Task Force investigation into governance, financial management, academic quality, and overall institutional effectiveness at the university.
The committee will be chaired by Dr Alex Tsela, joined by Prof Zodwa Motsa, Musa Ndzabandzaba, Meluleki Ndlangamandla, Dr Phumzile Magagula, and Kobla Khasi a group selected for their collective experience in higher-education governance, financial oversight, academic quality assurance, and institutional reform.
Nxumalo established the committee following a report that revealed systemic weaknesses within UNESWA, including poor financial controls, outdated academic programmes, accreditation concerns, gaps in governance structures, and inefficiencies linked to the current input-based funding model. The committee will coordinate and monitor the implementation of targeted reforms aimed at stabilising and strengthening the institution.
According to the Ministry, the team will immediately begin reviewing and prioritising the Task Force recommendations before developing a detailed implementation roadmap. Their work will include advising on a possible transition to a performance-based funding formula, strengthening internal governance systems, and improving academic governance and programme quality.
The committee is also mandated to engage key stakeholders among them the UNESWA Council, Senate, management, Treasury, ESHEC and EQA to ensure coordinated execution and sector-wide buy-in. Members will provide technical support throughout the process and monitor progress through measurable indicators.
Deliverables include an inception report within 30 days, a comprehensive implementation plan, a monitoring and evaluation framework, quarterly progress updates to the Minister, and a final consolidated report at the end of their term. The committee will serve for 12 months, with possible extension depending on progress.
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