By Thandiwe Matsenjwa
MANZINI – A joyous occasion unfolded at Tums George Hotel on Friday, May 24, as 219 Emaswati celebrated their successful graduation after acquiring essential skills in cattle management, dairy processing and artificial insemination.
The graduates made this achievement through the Eswatini Dairy Board (EDB), a parastatal under the Ministry of Agriculture. The ceremony was graced by esteemed guests including representatives from the Eswatini Dairy Board, the Ministry of Agriculture and various audiences, alongside the multitude of graduates.
Minister of Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuka, applauded the students for their dedication throughout the training program, which led to this momentous event. He also reiterated Government’s unwavering dedication to supporting agricultural education and empowering the people of Eswatini to build a prosperous future.
“The Government is committed to equipping Emaswati with the necessary skills for food production and to ensuring that income generating projects are accessible for all. Our graduates today are subsequently urged to venture into business within the dairy industry and make a positive impact towards the Ministry, and by extension to the country’s, goals of attaining food sovereignty and creating wealth for Emaswati.” He said.
It was mentioned in the ceremony that the graduation served as a testament to the collective efforts invested in empowering Emaswati and fostering sustainable development within the dairy sector and as the skilled graduates step into the professional world, their impact is assured to drive Eswatini towards a future of self-sufficiency and economic growth.
Sikolwethu Nkosi, one of the graduates expressed his gratitude to Eswatini Dairy Board for the opportunity to spread their wings through agriculture.
“No words can fully express how happy I feel about successfully graduating. I am honoured to be one of the graduating people and I now have the skills I needed to venture into the field of agriculture.” he said.
