Africa-Press – Eswatini. Jokingly, she called herself the Facebook before she made a submission at Ludzidzini Royal Residence during Sibaya on Wednesday.
Zinhle Matsebula, from Ludzeludze in the Manzini region was one of the citizens who were applauded after making submissions, challenging the country to address the issue of education to meet the industry expectations.
Matsebula is businesswoman who said employers had a challenge of getting the right skilled labour within Eswatini.
She said while the business community did not have enough jobs, the few available were taken up by outsiders.
She, therefore, called for the alignment of the education system and skills development with job creation.
Matsebula is no ordinary woman.
She is the former deputy mayor for the Manzini municipality.
Among other accolades, she is an academic and a member of various boards.
Speaking to this publication after making her submission, she said she owned businesses in construction, consultancy and other services.
“I am an accomplished businesswoman leading Asavela Group of Companies. I’m involved in the health business, construction, business consultancy and services industry,” she said.
She defined herself as an entrepreneur, who started business from scratch.
She is passionate about innovation, job creation and empowering young people and women, especially from marginalised communities.
“My passion for business has resulted in the establishment of other numerous successful small business ventures in multiple sectors. I am a self-driven and results oriented professional with a penchant for excellence,” she said.
Matsebula is currently pursuing businesses in agriculture and renewable energy.
Academically, Matsebula has a Master’s in Pharmacology she obtained from Stellenbosch university.
Enrolled
She also has a Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree from the Rhodes University in South Africa.
“I started schooling at Ludzeludze Primary, proceeded to Masundvwini National High School. I then matriculated at Nelspruit Private College. Moreover, I hold certificates from Stellenbosch and University of Cape Town.
The certifications from Stellenbosch include, Business Analysis and Risk Management, and in UCT, I did Financial Management and Mathematical Modeling for infectious diseases,” she said.Matsebula said she was happy to have gotten the opportunity to make a submission at Sibaya.
She said the importance of Sibaya could not be overemphasised as issues raised there affected Emaswati.
Matsebula suggested that the issues raised at Sibaya must be documented and deliberated upon at government level.
“The issues around economic development, corruption, health crisis, youth unemployment, should be documented and further deliberated in a dialogue at government level.
The prime minister’s office should take the lead and address those issues, prioritising the social, economic and political impact they have in the country.
I believe that the issue of youth employment should be the first to be addressed in its entirety, as it has many unearthed causes,” she said.
Matsebula added that the traditional structures also had a role they could play as some of the issues raised touched on them.
“Traditional structures working with the king’s office can, from time to time, put a yardstick on the issues and assess them if they need traditional or cultural interventions and suggest these to His Majesty,” Matsebula said.
Suggested
She also suggested that a second round of Sibaya could be proposed and convened for government to report back on the progress made.
“Sibaya is the only forum that gives a platform to all citizens without restrictions on gender, age, education background, physical abilities and political affiliations.
“So, Sibaya helps His Majesty to understand the level of engagement he can have with the citizens. It is a chance for our King and his government to assess the readiness of Emaswati in any initiatives that will be implemented in the country. I personally believe that you can’t lead people you don’t know,” she said.
Matsebula said the forum alone could not bring development.
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