BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE — Principal Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office Bertram Stewart has challenged EPN staff to promote programmes that teach the youth to be patriotic, particularly in as far as Eswatini culture is concerned.
The PS highlighted that government was looking for more programmes that would help capacitate Eswatini youth about their beautiful culture.
The PS made these statement during a meet-and-greet with Eswatini Positive News team today afternoon at the Cabinet offices.
EPN Director Mbongeni Ndlela introduced the team to the PS, who was with Deputy Government Press Secretary Thabile Mdluli.
In his introductory remarks , Ndlela shared the objectives and milestones of the online publication since its birth two years ago.
He recalled that the online publication started its business with three people. However, it has grown to a staff complement of 10 young people.
“As you can see, some of our staff consists of graduands and they are the right people to handle the youth programmes. Our future plan is to expand EPN strategy to give opportunities to creative youth countywide to compile articles, sharing their stories. We have noted that there are a lot of young people with writing skills that, if nurtured correctly, can benefit the country , “ he said.
Ndlela went on to share that EPN grew its Facebook following from 3500 to 12 000 within six months.
The Director disclosed that latest statistic reflects that EPN’s monthly reach stands at 3.2 million. The statistic was derived from all of the company’s social media platforms in November 2023.
“In September 2022, Google recognised EPN as a top domain for mentions of Eswatini. Again, EPN recorded good following because of its coverage of Sibaya People’s Parliament. For growth, we have also monetised our website and improved our Google search engine,” Ndlela said.
“We have observed that social media users prefer watching than reading; hence we have introduced EPN TV, TikTok and YouTube programmes. We’re found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn,” he said.
He continued: “We have also noted the creativity coming from the youth. They approach us in our comment section requesting to send us stories. We are working with them as we know the challenge of unemployment that is facing the country.”
Meanwhile, PS Stewart said there was urgent need to revive youth centres.
Giving an example, the PS said youth centres could also serve as skills centres.
“The youth centres can also serve as a place where senior artists can be asked to conduct lessons for young kids on weekends. This could be done through rotational visits to different Tinkhundla. If EPN can reach the youth, then you have the powerful tool to engage some of the effective programmes,” the PS said.
