MBABANE – Newly appointed Eswatini International Convention Centre (ICC) Board Chairperson Advocate Mbuso Nhlahla Simelane says the board is fully committed to ensuring that the country’s newest tourism and conferencing asset becomes a catalyst for economic growth in line with His Majesty King Mswati III’s vision.
Speaking during the commissioning of the Eswatini International Convention Centre (Pty) Ltd Board of Directors on Thursday, Simelane said the board accepted the responsibility entrusted to it with humility and a clear understanding of the significance of the task ahead.
“We are accepting the task handed to us. We are the first board of the ICC, which is a first concept,” he said.
Simelane noted that discussions about the potential of tourism to drive economic development had convinced him that the sector could play a much bigger role in transforming the country’s economy.
He revealed that shortly before the commissioning ceremony, he had been discussing with a friend whether the tourism industry could serve as a spur for economic growth in Eswatini.
“I have heard about moving to a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), which is putting the asset into a special purpose vehicle or an economic zone of some sort that will allow high-worth individuals to come and enjoy the beauty of Eswatini,” he said.
According to Simelane, the ICC and Ezulwini Palazzo present a unique opportunity to strengthen tourism while unlocking broader economic benefits for the country.
“Yes, there is scope for the tourism industry. We are taking this task with the greatest humility. We are humbled by the trust which government has bestowed upon us,” he said.
He assured government and emaSwati that the board would work diligently to protect and maximise the value of the national investment.
“We will work with diligence to preserve what belongs to the nation,” he said.
Describing the ICC and Ezulwini Palazzo as a national asset, Simelane said the board’s priority would be ensuring that the facility delivers the results expected by government and the people of Eswatini.
“It is a national asset and we will work to yield the desired results,” he said.
In a lighter moment, Simelane joked that one of the issues that concerned him most was profitability, drawing laughter from attendees.
“What worries me is the issue of profit. But we will try our best to move towards ensuring that this asset becomes an integral part of economic development as per His Majesty’s wishes,” he said.
The board was commissioned by Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, who described the occasion as a significant milestone in government’s efforts to position Eswatini as a premier destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), leisure tourism and investment.
The minister said the establishment of the board marked a new chapter in the governance and management of the International Convention Centre and Hotel, known as Ezulwini Palazzo.
She noted that the world-class facility was expected to improve Eswatini’s competitiveness in attracting international conferences, exhibitions, business events and high-value tourism.
Mkhonta-Simelane said the project would not only strengthen the tourism sector but would also create employment opportunities, support local businesses, stimulate investment and contribute to national economic growth.
She explained that government established Eswatini International Convention Centre (Pty) Ltd as a Special Purpose Vehicle to provide strategic oversight, governance and accountability while safeguarding government’s investment in the facility.
The minister urged the board to uphold the highest standards of corporate governance, transparency and financial accountability while ensuring the ICC and hotel become a competitive international conferencing and hospitality destination.
The newly commissioned board comprises Prince Saziwengaye, Advocate Mbuso Nhlahla Simelane (Chairperson), Dr Celucolo Peter Dludlu, Samukelisiwe Mpimbili-Dlamini, Malangeni Henry Mhlabane, Lindiwe Gwebu and Sifiso Crispin Dlamini.
Mkhonta-Simelane formally commissioned the board and wished its members success as they embark on the responsibility of overseeing one of government’s most strategic tourism and economic investments.
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