BY BANELE MAGONGO
MBABANE – Minister of Labour and Social Security Phila Buthelezi has appointed Futhi Tembe as the first female Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF).
Minister Buthelezi made this announcement today at Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini during a press conference.
Tembe was acting CEO since the departure of Prince Lonkhokhela who is now the Minister of Natural Resources and Energy.
Buthelezi revealed that the recruitment process commenced in 2023. He expressed confidence in presenting Tembe as the successful candidate.
The minister disclosed that Tembe’s experience with ENPF will serve as an asset to the organisation, having previously held various positions and served as an acting CEO within the organization since 2023. The minister appreciated her diligence and work ethic and wished her well in executing her duties.
Meanwhile, ENPF Board Chairman Mduduzi Gina extended his heartfelt congratulations to the newly appointed CEO. He expressed his gratitude towards Buthelezi for recognising and endorsing the board’s recommendations, a testament to the trust that the Minister places in the Board’s decision-making process. Gina highlighted the historical significance of Tembe’s appointment, marking the first time that a woman has held the position of CEO in the Fund’s existence.
Tembe extended her gratitude to Prince Lonkhokhela, her predecessor, for his guidance and wisdom, which she promised to carry forward into her tenure as CEO. She assured the minister and the board that she would strive to uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and humility, embodying an open door policy that promotes collaborative decision-making and inclusive leadership.
ENPF is one of the parastatals under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and as per the norm and statutory requirement, CEO’s of parastatals are appointed by the relevant minister.
