Despite attracting more than 1 000 eager job seekers at the Hilton Garden Inn in Mbabane last Saturday, the operator of the International Convention Centre (ICC) has clarified that it was not conducting recruitment.
This was confirmed by Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Khangeziwe Mabuza, who sought to “demystify” the widespread belief that those who queued in the rain and cold weather would be hired.
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The large turnout followed a notice of walk-in interviews for multiple positions at the ICC, which is set to open in the first quarter of 2026. The advertised positions reportedly included roles in sales and marketing, food and beverage, culinary, ICT, engineering, housekeeping, and front office.
ICC Recruitment Still a Year Away
PS Mabuza explained that Palazzo Ezulwini, a company partnered with government, is currently working on the ICC’s operationalisation. However, recruitment cannot begin until several processes are completed.
These include assessing whether the skills required to run the ICC are available in Eswatini and whether they meet international standards as set by UAE-based Palazzo Hospitality (now Palazzo Ezulwini).
“They were not hiring. They were only identifying if there are apt candidates who can run the hotel and carry out hospitality-related duties, and if they meet expectations,” said Mabuza.
She added that findings from this process would also determine whether some positions may need to be outsourced.
Misunderstanding Over Saturday Interviews
According to Mabuza, the company had actually invited specific individuals for middle-management positions. These candidates, once vetted and potentially hired, would then be responsible for recruiting other staff.
Only after these invited candidates met the recruitment team did other citizens get a chance to hand in letters of interest. Still, Mabuza stressed that none of these applicants were hired on the day.
“From those who had applied for middle-management positions such as general managers, those who qualify will be interviewed later by both government and the company,” she explained.
Hospitality Industry Demands
Mabuza also highlighted that the hospitality industry is not for the fainthearted.
“People need to understand that the hospitality industry is demanding, such that sometimes workers will work up to 15 hours per shift. Those who will be hired are those that understand it very well,” she said.
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