Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, has praised teachers for continuously attaining impressive academic results despite the growing social and economic pressures affecting the Eswatini education system.
Nxumalo praised the dedication of Eswatini’s educators and learners, noting their ability to excel during the Manzini Academic Awards of Excellence, convened at Ngwane High School.
“The ministry will continue to support initiatives that uplift the teaching profession and promote learner achievement,” Nxumalo affirmed.
The awards were a powerful celebration of perseverance and academic excellence, held under the theme ‘Resilience in the Face of Education and Socio-Economic Hurdles.’
The awards honored top-performing learners and schools from the 2023 and 2024 academic years, bringing together government leaders, educators, principals, learners, and community stakeholders.
Organised by the Regional Education Office (REO), under the leadership of REO Sizwe Kunene, in ollaboration with the Regional Administrator, Chief Gija, and the Academic Awards Task Team, chaired by Albert Sihlongonyane, Principal of St. Theresa’s High School, the ceremony marked the third consecutive year of recognising academic achievement at EPC, JC, and EGCSE levels.
Also in attendance were senior education officials, members of the Teaching Service Commission, school leaders, parents, and learners.
The ceremony recognized over 200 schools that achieved a 100 per cent pass rate, as well as schools showing significant academic improvement.
Individual merit awards were also presented to learners who stood out in their respective academic levels.
Cultural performances brought vibrancy and emotion to the event, with Sydney Williams Primary School energizing the crowd through a spirited African dance and Manzini Nazarene High School moving the audience with a polished choral piece.
St Michael’s, St Theresa and Manzini Nazarene leaders presented with awards of excellence for their schools.
Other schools that rendered excellent artistic performances include Ngwane Park Primary School and St. Michael’s High School.
Renowned speaker Pastor Buyile Shongwe delivered an inspiring keynote on vision, purpose, and resilience, challenging learners to rise above their circumstances.
The well-choreographed awards were made possible through a collaborative effort involving several sponsors, with Macmillan Education Eswatini serving as the main sponsor.
As pioneers in advancing learning and educational development, Macmillan contributed resources valued at E60,000 towards the successful hosting of the event.
Their support included funding for stage, trophies, certificates, branded materials, and the prestigious Macmillan Special Awards, among others.
The Special Recognition Awards were presented by the Minister, alongside Macmillan’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Mbuso Sacolo, and Distribution Manager Serica Sales, representing the company’s longstanding commitment to education in Eswatini.
Additional support came from HM Stationery and Webster Print, who also played vital roles in making the event a success.
As the event ended, organisers reflected on the importance of community and partnership in driving educational progress.
The general stance was that the Manzini Academic Awards have become more than just a recognition platform; they now stand as a symbol of resilience, collective achievement, and the enduring value of education in shaping the future.
Top Honours
The following schools were awarded for their exceptional academic outcomes:
2023 Outstanding Schools
EPC: St. Theresa’s Primary School
JC: St. Michael’s High School
EGCSE: St. Michael’s High School
2024 Outstanding Schools
EPC: St. Theresa’s Primary School
JC: Manzini Nazarene High School
EGCSE: St. Michael’s High School
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