Busiswa Noyise Dlamini, affectionately known as Wetive, is the dynamic Chairperson of the European Union Youth Advisory Board (EUYAB) in Eswatini.
Describing her journey with the Board as both challenging and rewarding, Dlamini says, “Every time I was thrown in the ocean, I came back carrying sharks by my shoulders.” Her tenure has been a period of remarkable personal and professional growth, offering her invaluable lessons in leadership, adaptability and collaboration.
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Dlamini coordinates, plans, communicates and represents youth interests, bridging the gap between Eswatini’s young people and international decision-making platforms. She attributes much of her ability to manage diverse teams and navigate complex challenges to her earlier experience as an Enactus leader at the Faculty of Health Sciences, where she progressed from Human Resource Manager to Chief Executive Officer. “Enactus taught me tolerance, people management and how to see and develop individual talents,” she reflects.
Recently, Dlamini represented Eswatini at the EU Youth Peace and Security Conference in Brussels, a platform aimed at strengthening youth involvement in governance, policy-making and global peace initiatives. Her objectives included engaging with EU institutions, contributing to a Joint Youth Declaration, participating in governance and diplomacy workshops, as well as exchanging knowledge across regions.
Speaking about the experience, Dlamini emphasised that youth today were no longer asking for a seat at the table—they are the table. She highlighted the importance of youth preparedness and capacity-building, ensuring that their contributions were informed, credible and actionable. “Our participation signals that decision-makers are committed to supporting youth development. When youth are given a seat at the table, it’s not just for box-ticking—it’s for meaningful engagement,” she said.
Dlamini, a passionate advocate for climate change and environmental sustainability, noted that the conference opened new perspectives on the intersection of climate, peace and security. While Eswatini has not yet faced climate-driven conflicts like other nations, she believes it is crucial for the country’s youth to proactively advocate for policies that protect food security and economic stability.
Among the most inspiring moments of the conference was hearing a young climate activist from Pakistan share her lived experiences of conflict. Dlamini recalls, “Her voice was clear, her demands actionable. It reminded me that one day, we need Liswati youth sharing their impactful stories on a global stage.”
Through her role, Dlamini has also helped facilitate initiatives like the European Alumni Project, which strengthens opportunities for youth previously engaged with the EU. She continues to motivate young people in Eswatini to engage actively in governance by learning policy, applying themselves and participating in decision-making processes.
Reflecting on the future, Dlamini envisions youth as essential drivers of peace, security and sustainable development in Eswatini. Her advice to aspiring leaders is straightforward: “Take the chance. Bet on yourself. Apply yourself, be teachable and keep the right attitude, your next opportunity depends on it.”
For Dlamini, leadership is a continuous journey of learning, advocacy and storytelling. She encourages fellow Enactus members and youth across Eswatini to leverage every experience, nurture relationships, and turn challenges into opportunities. As she puts it, “Nothing goes to waste. The experiences, lessons, networks, they are all foundations for impact and growth.”
Role of European Union Youth Advisory Board (EU YAB)
The European Union Youth Advisory Board (EUYAB) in Eswatini serves as a platform to amplify youth voices in policy-making, governance and development processes at both national and international levels. Its role can be summarised as follows:
Youth representation:
The EU YAB ensures that young people in Eswatini have a seat at the table when policies and programmes affecting them are discussed, both locally and in EU-related initiatives.
Policy engagement:
Members contribute to policy discussions, provide recommendations and participate in consultations with government institutions, civil society, and international bodies, ensuring youth perspectives inform decision-making.
Capacity building:
The board provides training and workshops in leadership, governance, advocacy, and diplomacy to equip youth with the skills needed for effective participation in national and international platforms.
Knowledge exchange:
It facilitates interactions between Eswatini youth and their peers from other countries, allowing for the sharing of best practices, experiences, and innovative solutions to youth-related challenges.
Advocacy for youth issues:
The board champions youth priorities in areas such as climate change, peace and security, gender equality, digitalisation, and sustainable development, aligning local youth initiatives with broader EU and global agendas.
Mentorship and networking:
Through programmes like the European Alumni Project, the EU YAB creates opportunities for young people to network, collaborate, and gain exposure to international development, governance, and leadership opportunities.
In short, the EUYAB in Eswatini bridges the gap between youth and decision-makers, empowering young people to actively shape the country’s policies and engage on global issues.
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