Africa-Press – Eswatini. Business Eswatini (BE) hosted an intimate farewell gathering to honour Dr. Loretta Mkhonta, the outgoing Director of the Eswatini Higher Education Council (ESHEC), recognizing her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to tackling skills development in the Kingdom.
Held at the BE War Room, the meeting, attended by BE CEO Mr. E. Nathi Dlamini, BE staff and Dr. Mkhonta and her Executive Assistant, focused on celebrating the profound impact of her tenure, particularly through the strong collaboration fostered between ESHEC and the private sector, championed by Business Eswatini.
Mr. Dlamini expressed deep appreciation for Dr. Mkhonta’s unique and remarkable commitment. “It is rare,” he stated, “to engage with a leader so dedicated to understanding the critical importance of skills for our economy and so proactive in forging collaborative pathways.” He highlighted how Dr. Mkhonta actively worked with BE, the recognized voice of the private sector, to address skills mismatches and advance Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiatives – key priorities for Eswatini’s businesses.
Under Dr. Mkhonta’s strategic guidance, significant progress was made on complex challenges critical to the private sector. BE specifically lauded her leadership in tackling issues of certification, accreditation, and regulating ‘fly-by-night’ institutions, efforts that have strengthened the credibility and responsiveness of the higher education sector to market needs.
“We have always valued and appreciated your contribution in this regard,” emphasized the BE CEO, noting that Dr. Mkhonta’s approach influenced and even dominated private sector engagement on skills development. He reiterated BE’s longstanding interest, commitment, and active role in addressing skills gaps and promoting TVET, underscoring that BE continues to strongly advocate for effective private sector involvement in shaping the nation’s skills landscape.
These shared goals and the successful partnership formed the core of the farewell discussions. Mr. Dlamini conveyed the BE Board’s decision to honour Dr. Mkhonta, stating, “BE is hopeful that your successor will appreciate the progress made thus far and the vital importance of the collaboration we have established.” He voiced a key private sector concern: ensuring continuity to prevent backtracking on the critical work done, especially concerning TVET advancement. “We feel privileged to have worked with you and benefited from your knowledge transfer,” he added.
Deeply moved by the recognition, Dr. Loretta Mkhonta responded, “It’s very unusual for one to get gratitude for one’s good work, and I feel quite honoured and appreciated.” Expressing hope for continuity, she stated, “I am hopeful that my successors will take over the work we have done and carry on the baton. There is no need to start all over again as the foundation has already been set.” She extended her best regards to the BE Board, assuring them of her continued willingness to contribute to Eswatini’s development in any way possible.
Concluding the heartfelt gathering, Mr. Dlamini conveyed the profound respect and gratitude felt by the organization: “We honour you, we appreciate you so much and we love you.”
The event underscored the significant strides made in public-private partnership for skills development under Dr. Mkhonta’s leadership at ESHEC and highlighted Business Eswatini’s central role as the advocate and partner of the private sector in this vital national endeavour.
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