The
community of Ezulwini witnessed a milestone yesterday as Minister of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Savannah Maziya officially handed over an ICT lab.
The handover ceremony was held at the Ezulwini community centre (Imphakatsi), and was graced by government officials, community leaders, sponsors, and excited residents.
Maziya thanked all stakeholders who collaborated to bring the facility to life, including private partners, government departments, and the Ezulwini community.
The facility is aimed at enhancing digital skills and empowering residents, particularly the youth and women.
The minister emphasised the importance of utilising the facility for personal and community development, particularly encouraging the youth to embrace technology and innovation.
“This is more than just a room with computers but if you use this facility to learn and upgrade yourself, the world can become your oyster,” she said.
She further urged young mothers and women to make use of the lab, stating that digital empowerment was key to economic and social transformation.
The minister stated that the ICT facility would be innovative and impactful as it has been created for the benefit of the Ezulwini community, and urged everyone to take ownership of it.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive of the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM), Mvilawemphi Dlamini, echoed the minister’s sentiments, highlighting the role of ICT in creating access to global knowledge and opportunities.
“Knowledge in ICT will help our people become more informed than they’ve ever been before as you now have a tool to succeed in a connected world,” he said.
Dlamini praised the new lab as a crucial enabler of growth and digital inclusion. “The ICT lab is a gateway to knowledge, innovation, entrepreneurship, and personal transformation,” he explained. He noted that the lab is a space where young people can learn new skills, women can grow their businesses, and all residents can tap into digital markets and a series of opportunities, which are sold for a better tomorrow.
Lobamba Member of Parliament Michael Masilela said the facility would spark the idea of getting involved with IT. He added that BSA Training Centre had pledged to assist the youth in learning IT.
He added that the youth and community can access the facility at any time besides night hours. He concluded by donating two cattle that will be slaughtered for the community of Ezulwini during the launch of the facility.
