Africa-Press – Eswatini. =A milestone in leadership and academic excellence was celebrated, as Senator Dr Linda Loraine Nxumalo was formally recognised for attaining a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Tourism from Ballsbridge University.
The elegant ceremony, held at the Tree Tops venue in Big Bend on Friday, December 12, 2025, marked far more than a personal achievement. It stood as a powerful testament to the growing role of advanced scholarship in shaping Eswatini’s national development agenda. The event was directed by Municipal Council of Mbabane CEO Gciniwe Fakudze.
Dr Nxumalo’s journey to doctoral success was both demanding and inspiring. Beginning in September 2019 and concluding in March 2024, she completed a rigorous five-year programme that required exceptional discipline, intellectual depth and resilience. Her studies culminated in an Analysis Presentation that introduced innovative theories and practical models tailored to the tourism and management sectors. Awarded an outstanding “A” grade, her research was praised for its academic rigour and immediate relevance to real-world policy and governance challenges.
The DBA programme was built on a comprehensive 120-credit structure, jointly awarded by Ballsbridge University and GAAP. Dr Nxumalo’s coursework covered key areas essential to modern leadership, including corporate governance, public policy, public administration, tourism, public finance and management, and human resources management. This broad academic foundation has equipped her with a holistic understanding of how tourism intersects with governance, economic planning and institutional leadership.
The celebratory luncheon brought together an impressive gathering of Eswatini’s academic, political and corporate leaders, reflecting the national significance of the achievement. Distinguished guests included respected professionals such as Dr Phetsile Dlamini, Dr Pleasure Tshepo Masiu, Dr Levi Mokgale Motebajane and Dr Lungile Dlamini. Their presence underscored the high esteem in which Dr Nxumalo is held and the confidence placed in her ability to contribute meaningfully to national progress.
During the programme, speakers paid tribute not only to Dr Nxumalo’s academic accomplishment but also to her character and leadership qualities. Dr Phetsile Dlamini, who previously supervised her at the Eswatini Tourism Authority, described her as a leader defined by integrity, accountability and collaboration. Dr Lungile Dlamini highlighted the personal sacrifice behind the success, noting that the doctorate brings to Eswatini a leader with evidence-based expertise capable of shaping strategic economic solutions.
Dr Nxumalo’s achievement is particularly timely as Eswatini intensifies efforts to position tourism as a sustainable driver of economic growth. As a sitting Senator, she is uniquely placed to translate academic research into effective policy, strengthening governance frameworks and enhancing the country’s competitiveness as a destination. Her work promises to support inclusive, sustainable tourism development aligned with national priorities.
Beyond policy impact, her success serves as a powerful inspiration, especially for women in public service. It demonstrates how perseverance, lifelong learning and resilience can be harnessed to drive both personal advancement and national transformation.
In her closing remarks, Dr Nxumalo captured the spirit of the occasion with a message of determination. “Giving up is not an option,” she said, describing her doctorate not as an accolade, but as a tool to serve Eswatini better and inspire others to pursue excellence.
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