The University of Eswatini (UNESWA) has welcomed 3 262 new students across its three campuses — Luyengo, Kwaluseni, and Mbabane — for the 2025 academic year.
Among them were 2 843 undergraduate students; 1 594 females and 1 249 males.
The orientation ceremony, held at the Sports Emporium at the Kwaluseni campus, featured a keynote address by Central Bank of Eswatini (CBE) Governor Dr. Phil Mnisi.
The event was themed “Making a Positive Mark in Your Academic and Social Life.”
🎓 Dr. Mnisi’s Address
Dr. Mnisi emphasised the importance of embracing the intellectual, emotional, and mental challenges that come with university life.
He encouraged students to:
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Go beyond academic achievement and strive for understanding, contribution, and innovation.
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Become job creators who shape Eswatini’s economic future with ethical leadership.
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Pair academic success with social responsibility through respect, empathy, discipline, and integrity.
Dr. Mnisi also described UNESWA as a dynamic space where diverse ideas and cultures converge, offering students opportunities to develop leadership skills.
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He touched on national challenges such as youth unemployment, financial inclusion, climate resilience, and economic diversification — urging students to take ownership of their journey with discipline and commitment.
Mnisi reminded students that:
“Excellence is not about perfection, but about consistent effort and growth.”
He further highlighted the importance of time management, resilience, and academic honesty, while reaffirming the CBE’s support for youth empowerment through financial literacy and inclusive reforms.
🏛️ VC Thwala on Challenges & Support Systems
UNESWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Justice Thwala acknowledged that university life comes with challenges such as:
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Financial pressures and delayed allowances
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Mental health concerns including depression and suicide
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Health issues such as high infection rates
Thwala assured students they made the right choice in selecting UNESWA, describing it as an institution focused on teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement.
He noted that while some students may face difficulties due to disadvantaged backgrounds, these challenges should be seen as opportunities for growth.
However, the VC raised concern about the increasing number of student suicides, attributing them to academic stress, poverty, depression, and strained relationships.
👉 He urged students to make use of the counselling services offered through the Dean of Student Affairs.
Professor Thwala reiterated the university’s commitment to a supportive learning environment and thanked the Dean of Student Affairs and the organising team for a successful orientation.
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