Africa-Press – Eswatini. Through its nationwide “Choose Right, Choose Accredited” drive, ESHEC is equipping Form 5 learners with vital information to protect their futures and strengthen confidence in Eswatini’s higher education sector.
A Positive Shift in Higher Education Awareness
At schools across the country, a new wave of educational empowerment is taking shape. The Eswatini Higher Education Council (ESHEC) is intensifying efforts to help young people make safe, informed decisions when applying for tertiary studies — ensuring that no learner unknowingly enrols in an unregistered institution or an unaccredited programme.
The “Choose Right, Choose Accredited” campaign, now in full swing, is designed to reach learners before they commit their savings, time, and hopes to a qualification that may later be rejected by employers or universities.
A Rising Concern Meets a Proactive Response
Over recent years, Eswatini has recorded a worrying rise in students discovering too late that their courses or institutions were not properly accredited. Some colleges offered legitimate programmes alongside unapproved ones, creating confusion for unsuspecting learners.
Dr Ncamsile Motsa, ESHEC’s Acting CEO, says ESHEC’s new approach is intentionally forward-looking.
“Too many young people only realise the problem when applying for work or further study,” she said.
“The emotional and financial losses can be heavy. This campaign helps us reach them before mistakes happen.”
She stressed that ESHEC’s role is to strengthen—not police—the education sector.
“Our aim is collaboration. When institutions, parents, and students work with us, we all protect the quality and credibility of Eswatini’s qualifications.”
Information That Protects Futures
At each school visited, ESHEC breaks down practical steps every pupil and parent should take:
Check ESHEC’s list of registered institutions
Confirm the specific programme’s accreditation
Request proof of registration
Ask questions before paying fees
Contact ESHEC for verification at any time
These steps, Dr Motsa said, are simple but powerful.
“Accreditation is not paperwork — it is protection,” she added.
“It ensures your qualification opens doors instead of closing them.”
Khumalo: Students Are Active Partners in Quality Assurance
ESHEC’s Advocacy and Communications Officer, Mr Mihla Khumalo, told Eswatini Positive News that the campaign aims to empower students with confidence and clarity.
“Your education is one of the biggest investments you will ever make. Before you enrol anywhere, always verify the institution and the programme,” he said.
He emphasised that accountability is a shared responsibility.
“We want students to see themselves as active partners in maintaining quality. When learners, parents, and institutions all verify, ask questions, and comply, we strengthen the entire system.”
Khumalo added that the positive response from pupils shows just how valuable this information is.
Schools Welcome ESHEC’s Hands-On Approach
Teachers say ESHEC’s presence in classrooms has already made a measurable difference.
Many learners—especially those from rural or underserved areas—were previously unaware of the difference between institutional registration and programme accreditation.
Headteachers report that the campaign has empowered learners to think critically, ask smarter questions, and avoid impulsive enrolments after seeing attractive advertisements.
Community Voices: New Confidence, New Awareness
Pupils:
Learners say the sessions have changed the way they think about tertiary applications.
“I didn’t know what accreditation meant until the talk. Now I’ll always check.” — Lindiwe, Form 5
“My friend was rejected because her course wasn’t accredited. This helped us avoid the same mistake.” — Sipho, Form 5
“My parents saved for years. Now I know to check the institution and the diploma.” — Thandi, Form 5
“I’ll make sure the programme is recognised by employers and ESHEC.” — Moses, Form 5
Parents:
“We almost paid for a course without checking. ESHEC opened our eyes.” — Mr Dlamini
“A qualification that isn’t recognised is a false start. Now I know the right questions to ask.” — Mrs Mbatha
Retired Teacher:
“Parents sometimes choose in desperation. ESHEC coming directly to schools helps prevent costly mistakes before they happen.” — Mrs Ngwenya
A Campaign with National Reach
So far, the “Choose Right, Choose Accredited” drive has reached schools including:
Mhlatane High School
Lubombo Central High School
Zandondo Lutheran High School
Duze High School
Siphocosini High School
Mbekelweni Lutheran High School
ESHEC invites all interested schools to partner with the Council and host the sensitisation session for their Form 5 learners.
The “Choose Right, Choose Accredited” campaign reflects ESHEC’s commitment to building a trustworthy, accountable, and globally competitive higher education sector.
“When we equip learners early, we protect their futures and strengthen our nation’s development,” Dr Motsa said.
Source: Eswatini Positive News – News Website
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
