Mbabane – The Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development have congratulated four Eswatini students who excelled in the recent SADC Essay Competition.
The students were recognised during an awards ceremony held at the Ministry of Education and Training for their performances in the regional competition.
Hlelolwenkhosi Simelane of Evelyn Baring High School received E9 000, while her schoolmate Lenhle Khumalo received E5 400. Bhekiwe Tsabedze of Ka-Boyce High School received E3 600.
Vuyelwa Simelane, who attained Position One in the SADC region, was also recognised. She had previously been honoured at the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government in Durban and received additional gifts, including a laptop and projector.
Vuyelwa and fellow UNESWA student Mefika Mhlanga were recognised in the tertiary category, while Hlelolwenkhosi, Lenhle and Bhekiwe were recognised in the secondary school category.
Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo congratulated the students, particularly Vuyelwa for her regional achievement.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Education and Training and on behalf of the entire Kingdom, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Vuyelwa,” Nxumalo said, adding that her achievement showed what was possible when talent was matched with hard work, determination and courage.
He also commended the secondary school students for demonstrating insight, discipline, originality, critical thinking and effective communication through their writing.
Nxumalo thanked the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development for its continued collaboration and support of the SADC Essay Competition. He encouraged schools and tertiary institutions to participate in the 2027 competition with greater enthusiasm, commitment and seriousness.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development Thabsile Mlangeni also congratulated the students and their teachers.
Mlangeni called on the Ministry of Education and Training to consider rewarding teachers who support pupils who excel in continental competitions.
She also thanked the Ministry of Education and Training, educators, pupils, students and other stakeholders who contributed to Eswatini’s participation in the competition, from its launch and essay writing to adjudication and the selection of the National Top Three.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Vuyelwa encouraged other young people to take advantage of opportunities such as the SADC Essay Competition.
She said the competition was not only about research and writing, but also provided young people with a platform to express their ideas and have their voices heard.
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