KWALUSENI – His Majesty King Mswati III has urged graduates of the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) to remain patient as they seek employment, reminding them that success often requires perseverance and resilience in today’s competitive job market.
This year, a total of 1 510 graduands were conferred with qualifications — comprising 174 certificates, 15 diplomas, 1 274 degrees, and 47 master’s degrees — marking an increase of 254 compared to last year’s 1 256 graduates.
The King commended the university for this significant growth, describing it as a reflection of the institution’s continued efforts to expand access to higher education and align its programmes with Eswatini’s national development priorities.
Addressing guests at the 43rd graduation ceremony held at the Kwaluseni Campus yesterday, His Majesty acknowledged that graduates often have high expectations of securing jobs soon after completing their studies. However, he urged them to remain grounded and patient as they navigate their next steps.
“I am aware of the high expectations that you hold as you graduate here today. It might be possible that some of those expectations are not fully met. I urge you to tap within yourself, see what entrepreneurship skills you can bring out, and start a business or vocation as you await those opportunities,” said His Majesty.
“I have full confidence that all the skills imparted to you will be relevant to any challenge ahead of you.”
His Majesty also congratulated parents and guardians for their unwavering support, noting that their dedication and guidance had played a critical role in shaping responsible and well-rounded citizens.
The King further commended UNESWA for its proactive approach to addressing the nation’s employability challenges through curriculum redesign, skills development initiatives, and the creation of business incubation centres.
He described these as vital steps in bridging the gap between theory and practice.
“We appreciate the efforts made to produce employable graduates who are also job creators and innovators. This must remain a central goal of our higher education system,” he said.
His Majesty also called upon the private sector and government agencies to strengthen collaboration with universities to build pathways that support employment and enterprise development.
Among this year’s graduates were 27 police officers who completed their training in Police Science, a joint programme offered by the university and the Eswatini Police Academy.
The King expressed pride in their achievement, saying it demonstrated the value of partnerships between academic institutions and professional training bodies.
The atmosphere at Kwaluseni was filled with excitement and pride as graduands, dressed in colourful academic regalia, celebrated their academic milestones under the bright spring sun.
Parents and guests cheered as the graduates crossed the stage — each step symbolising years of dedication, sacrifice, and hope for a brighter future.
